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How dangerous is nitric acid? Shelter-in-place order issued as toxic fumes spill from overturned truck on I-10 in Tucson

First responders are working to evacuate a perimeter around the area after yellow smoke was seen at the spot of the crash

TUSCON, ARIZONA: Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have been issued in the Tucson area following a collision involving a commercial truck tanker that tipped over. The tank is reportedly leaking hazardous material. The incident took place at around 3 pm on Tuesday, February 14, after the commercial truck entered the median and rolled over near the Kolb Road exit of I-10. According to the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, the crash caused a spill of nitric acid. Yellow smoke was seen at the spot of the crash.

“The tanker is leaking hazardous material,” the Arizona Department of Public Safety said in a statement, according to Bno News. “The AZDPS Hazardous Materials Response Unit and partner agencies … are working together to mitigate the incident. First responders are working to evacuate a perimeter around the area of the incident.”

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This incident comes days after two more similar collisions. As many as 50 Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train cars derailed in Columbiana County on Friday, February 3, at around 9 pm, leading to the release of cancer-causing chemicals. In another incident, multiple train cars were derailed and a truck driver died on Monday, February 13, during a collision northeast of Houston.

How dangerous is nitric acid?

Nitric acid is used in various industries, including in the manufacture of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives. It is also used in the polymer industry. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), "Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a colorless liquid with yellow or red fumes with an acrid odor. Exposure to nitric acid can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membrane; it can also cause delayed pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, and dental erosion. Nitric acid is highly corrosive. Workers may be harmed from exposure to nitric acid. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done."

'We are under attack'

Social media users, shocked that yet another similar incident took place, took to socialmedia to express their dismay. "The heck is going on in our country?!!!!!!!!!" one user wrote on Twitter. Another said, "I remember when the only thing that would spill out of a truck in an accident would be milk." "We are under attack and nobody seems to get it or care," one said.

"Man seems América is burning it’s self, with all the train derailments now this plus the ufos 2023 will be wild," one user said, while another wrote, "That is some seriously nasty looking smoke. That mustard colour is telling you to stay away." "Why does it seems like everything is going absolutely bonkers ?" said one user. Another wrote, "This is getting to be insane. The Ohio train was the first but more chemicals. I mean come on man!!!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.