After a hazardous chemical spill in a West Midlands canal, a major incident has been declared.
Walsall Council reports that the Environment Agency is testing canal water for sodium cyanide and other chemicals in the affected area.
The affected section of the canal may pose a major health risk to individuals. Who have had direct physical contact with the water, the council warned.
Sodium cyanide is a white, crystal-like solid with a faint almond color, that is used in industry for metal plating, extraction, cleaning and photography. According to Public Health England’s website.
According to the agency, exposure to the chemical can result in changes in heart rate, headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
According to the agency’s website, cyanide can be released into the body through the ingestion of cyanide salts, which dissolve in water.
Stay Away and Don’t Eat the Fish
As a precaution, Walsall Council requests that the public stay off a portion of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall, Ryders Green, and Perry Barr.
The Environment Agency notified the council in a statement on August 12 that there had been a spill in Pleck that had gone straight into the canal.
It has been suggested that anyone feeling ill after being near the affected area’s canal water should call 111 or, in an emergency, 999 to seek medical advice.
The council also stated that the incident would not have an impact on anyone who has taken fish from the canal to eat.
The leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, declared: “The safety of our residents is our top priority.”
“I share their concerns and hope for a quick resolution to this situation.
Our partners and I are collaborating closely to handle this situation. Which deemed a major incident.
“Please stay off, this section of the canal and its towpaths for your safety.”
The incident is being investigated by several agencies, including the Environment Agency, Walsall and Sandwell councils, Severn Trent Water, the Canal and Rivers Trust and West Midlands Police and Fire Services.
Brit News Hub Analysis: Public and Nearby Fish Market Should avoid fishing for the next few days. The related Department working to examine the issue and will sort out the issue. Especially Children avoid the area, due to short health strength could harm their health effectively. Stay safe!
