A chemical spill is a situation in which a chemical is accidentally released. In the case of non-toxic chemicals, dealing with a spill is usually very straightforward, since the spill simply needs to be cleaned up. However, spills of toxic chemicals represent a more serious problem, especially in the case of spills of multiple chemicals which could react with each other. Many nations have specific laws concerning large-scale chemical spills such as the release of chemicals from a damaged chemical tanker.
There are a number of things which can cause a chemical spill. In a laboratory, a dropped beaker, piece of malfunctioning equipment, or poorly handled package of chemicals can potentially cause a spill. On a larger scale, chemicals can be spilled in train and auto accidents involving chemical tankers, or they can be released by seagoing ships or aircraft. Chemical plants can also cause spills with imperfect safety procedures, accidents, or deliberate dumping of chemicals. Most governments treat large scale spills as the responsibility of the person who caused them, rather than the manufacturer of the chemical.
When a chemical spill occurs, the first step in the response is determining which chemical was involved, so that the responders know how dangerous the chemical is, and what kind of precautions need to be used around it. The next step is an attempt to neutralize the spill so that it is safe to work with, and isolating people who were exposed to the spill so that they can be decontaminated and evaluated for medical problems. After the immediate issues have been dealt with, the responders may discuss the long-term repercussions of the spill and ways to deal with them. For example, a spill might contaminate a waterway, requiring the provision of water supplies until the waterway has been cleaned. Once the spill has been controlled, a meeting may be held to discuss what caused the spill, and how it can be prevented in the future.
In scientific labs, there is usually a strict protocol in place for dealing with a chemical spill, which includes locking down the area so that the chemical cannot spread. Many labs have shower and eyewash stations so that people exposed to chemicals can quickly remove them from their bodies, and neutralizers may be kept close to hand to control the spread of chemical spills. In a large lab, a special team may be called in to deal with chemical spills, while in smaller labs, a supervisor or safety officer directs the cleanup.
Large scale chemical spills require a much larger response, due to concerns about the potential for the chemicals to be released into the environment at large. A chemical accident or spill could potentially kill or seriously injure hundreds or thousands of people and animals, while damaging farmland, buildings, and other spaces. Responses to large spills include evacuation plans and the use of specialized cleanup teams, which often consist of government employees who are trained to deal with spills. The cleanup effort can also get extremely expensive, which is when investigation into the cause of the chemical spill becomes critical, as governments do not want to be left with the bill.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All The Science researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.