1,000 kilos of powder leak at Ardooie textile firm, coating cars and homes in white layer; fire department reassures public

A significant leak of PVC powder occurred at the Sioen Industries textile company in Ardooie, Belgium, this morning, blanketing nearby homes and vehicles in a white residue. The incident, which released approximately 1,000 kilograms of powder, prompted a response from the Midwest fire department.

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Around 10:10 AM, we received a call about powder that had been released in the vicinity of Fabriekstraat.

"Around 10:10 AM, we received a call about powder that had been released in the vicinity of Fabriekstraat," stated Rob Nachtergaele of the fire department. Upon arrival, firefighters determined the powder escaped while a silo was being filled. "The majority of the contamination is at the company itself, but due to the wind, a cloud formed that also spread into the surrounding area. As a result, a white deposit is visible on various vehicles and houses in the neighborhood."

Despite the visual impact, the fire department has reassured the public that the powder is not harmful or toxic. "As firefighters, we are trying to ensure that the product does not spread further. But we can reassure people: it is not a harmful or toxic product," Nachtergaele added. They also confirmed with the water treatment company Aquafin that the substance can be processed normally in their wastewater treatment plants.

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The majority of the contamination is at the company itself, but due to the wind, a cloud formed that also spread into the surrounding area. As a result, a white deposit is visible on various vehicles and houses in the neighborhood.

Firefighters are currently engaged in cleaning the affected vehicles and streets. The investigation into the precise cause of the leak is ongoing.

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As firefighters, we are trying to ensure that the product does not spread further. But we can reassure people: it is not a harmful or toxic product.