Edison: Two Hospitalized After Sunday Night Chemical Leak

EDISON, NJ — Around 200 gallons of titanium tetrachloride leaked from a chemical plant in Edison Sunday night, causing a near lockdown for residents, reported the fire department.

At 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Edison fire department responded to a hazardous material (hazmat) incident on Meadow Road. The chemical leak caused a vapor cloud, prompting the fire and police department to ask residents to shelter in place.

Two people were transported to a nearby hospital after complaining of respiratory problems, Deputy Fire Chief Andrew Toth told Patch.

“We don’t believe any chemicals leaked into the ground. Investigation is underway,” said Toth.

Around 30 police and fire personnel responded to the incident and were at the site till midnight. At 10 p.m., officials declared the area safe.

Toth said the fire and police department regularly held safety drills at the chemical plan.

According to the CDC, titanium tetrachloride is made from minerals containing titanium, and is used to make titanium metal and other compounds, like titanium dioxide which is “used as a white pigment in paints”.

When released in the air, it reacts to the moisture and forms dangerous clouds. It then forms hydrogen chloride, which turns into hydrochloric acid that can cause severe respiratory and kidney issues.

Toth said more information will be released by township officials after investigation.