Glycidyl methacrylate was identified as the chemical released from equipment at an industrial transport facility in north Toledo, Ohio, after an overnight incident prompted evacuations, shelter-in-place orders and school closures.
Toledo Fire & Rescue responded to the hazardous-materials incident near 1266 Progress Avenue late Tuesday, October 20, after residents reported irritation affecting their eyes and throats.
Officials ordered everyone within one mile of the site to evacuate, while people within a wider two- to three-mile area were told to remain indoors and limit the circulation of outside air.
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What happened in Toledo
The release was reported at the MC Tank Transport terminal near Progress Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard.
Authorities initially treated the situation as an active hazmat emergency because the chemical was considered capable of creating both toxic exposure and an explosion risk.
A chemical tank reportedly ruptured or exploded at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, although the cause remained under investigation Wednesday.
Officials said a sheriff’s deputy was injured while responding to the incident and received medical treatment.
Nearly 1,000 residents were evacuated overnight, according to figures provided during the response.
Emergency officials used drones and air-monitoring equipment while keeping crews away from the tank until the immediate explosion risk had passed.
A dense fog also covered parts of the area, reducing visibility and making it difficult for residents to distinguish ordinary weather conditions from any chemical plume.
Evacuation and shelter-in-place instructions
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said people within one mile of 1266 Progress Avenue should leave the evacuation zone and must not return until officials declare it safe.
A temporary shelter was established at Shoreland Elementary School.
People within two to three miles of the site were told to shelter in place, close windows and exterior doors, turn off heating or ventilation systems that draw air from outside, and keep pets indoors.
Drivers near the affected area were advised to keep their windows closed and use their vehicles’ recirculation setting.
Road closures were reported around the evacuation area, although officials said major routes remained available for people travelling through the region.
Residents were urged to follow instructions from Toledo Fire & Rescue, local emergency-management officials and the health department rather than approaching the scene.
What is glycidyl methacrylate?
Glycidyl methacrylate, commonly abbreviated as GMA, is an industrial chemical used in the production of epoxy polymers, vinyl and acrylic resins, coatings, adhesives and related materials.
The chemical can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat, while heavier exposure may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or breathing problems.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has evaluated glycidyl methacrylate as a chemical hazard and identified its use in a range of industrial and consumer-related materials.
That classification does not by itself establish the health effect of a particular short-term exposure, which depends on factors including concentration, duration and route of contact.
People who believe they may have been exposed should move away from the affected area, rinse contaminated skin or eyes with water and seek medical advice if symptoms develop or continue.
Schools and businesses affected
Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local Schools and schools in nearby Oregon, Ohio, cancelled classes Wednesday because of the hazardous-materials response.
Officials instructed students and staff not to report to affected schools while emergency crews continued monitoring the area.
The Stellantis Jeep plant near the edge of the evacuation zone was also evacuated Tuesday night, and its first shift was cancelled Wednesday.
The disruption affected residents, workers and traffic in an industrial corridor close to the Ohio-Michigan border.
What happens next
Hazmat crews and environmental agencies were expected to continue measuring air conditions and assessing the damaged equipment.
Authorities had not released a final explanation for what caused the release as of Wednesday morning.
Officials also had not announced when the evacuation zone would be lifted or when residents could safely return to their homes.
The immediate public-safety priority remained preventing additional exposure and ensuring that emergency responders could work without creating a second incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chemical was released in Toledo?
Officials identified the chemical as glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial substance used in resins, coatings, adhesives and related materials.
Which Toledo residents were ordered to evacuate?
People within one mile of 1266 Progress Avenue were ordered to evacuate and told not to return until officials declare the area safe.
Who was told to shelter in place?
People within roughly two to three miles of the release site were told to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and limit outside air entering buildings.
What are possible symptoms of glycidyl methacrylate exposure?
Exposure may irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat and can be associated with headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or breathing problems.
Were Toledo schools closed because of the leak?
Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local Schools and schools in nearby Oregon, Ohio, cancelled classes Wednesday during the emergency response.
Fact-Checked: Key incident details, safety instructions and chemical information were checked against the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, City of Toledo and IARC materials.
Disclaimer: Anyone who may have been exposed should follow local emergency instructions and contact medical professionals or emergency services for urgent symptoms.