Chemical Leak at Jecheon Factory Prompts Emergency Alert; No Injuries Reported

An emergency alert was issued in Jecheon, South Korea, after a hazardous chemical leak at a disused factory. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. on the 20th, involved the release of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from a factory in the industrial complex of Wangam-dong.

According to fire authorities and the Jecheon city government, the leaked amounts of hydrogen chloride (5.4ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (1.5ppm) were below the permissible emission standards. Fortunately, no injuries or damage cases have been reported as a result of the leak.

Hydrogen chloride is a toxic gas that can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin upon exposure. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, toxic gas known for its rotten egg smell, which can be fatal at high concentrations.

Firefighters responded to a report of "smell and smoke" from an employee at a nearby factory. They successfully completed safety measures by covering the leak source with sand, a process that took approximately four hours.

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There is a strange smell and smoke.