An early morning crash on the Downtown Connector Monday shut down traffic in both directions for several hours. A tractor trailer carrying a hazardous material known as benzoyl chloride spilled on the interstate.
Benzoyl chloride is toxic and the Atlanta Fire HAZMAT team responded for the clean up. This is what we know about the chemical.
WATER AND FIRE MAKE IT MORE DANGEROUS
When it comes in contact with water, benzoyl chloride produces heat and corrosive fumes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. it "reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water."
Heat or fire causes the chemical to decompose and could lead to an explosion.
Toxic chemical spill blocking downtown connector in both directions
EXPOSURE EFFECTS
The CDC states, because benzoyl chloride is corrosive, short-term exposure can cause anything from tears and coughing to lung oedema, fluid in the lungs.
The vapors can be "highly irritating to the respiratory tract," according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
"A one minute exposure to concentrations of as little as 2 parts per million have been reported as irritating and intolerable," the National Library states.
USES
Benzoyl chloride is used in making other chemicals, dyes, perfumes, herbicides and medicines, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Clear liquid with strong odor. Some report the chemical smelling like fingernail polish remover.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Benzenecarbonyl Chloride; alpha-Chlorobenzaldehyde; Benzoic Acid, Chloride, according to OSHA.
