Multiple hazmat crews and emergency personnel are at the scene of a chemical leak emergency at Altivia Specialty Chemicals plant in La Porte, Texas. The situation has led to a shelter-in-place. According to plant officials, phosgene gas, a colorless gas with a suffocating odor like musty hay has leaked. Exposure to phosgene may cause irritation to the eyes, dry burning throat, vomiting, cough, foamy sputum, breathing difficulty, chest pain, and, when in liquid form, frostbite. Workers may be harmed from exposure to phosgene, which is used in the manufacture of chemicals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
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