Pfizer has acknowledged a chemical spill into the Kalamazoo River, prompting local authorities to issue a no-contact advisory for the river in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Government health agencies have said the chemicals involved in the spill are possible carcinogens and can be deadly in high doses. But Pfizer said it “does not assume any health risks.”
Pfizer notified the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services about the chemical spill on March 12 at approximately 4:30 p.m. The pharmaceutical giant revealed an estimated 1,057 gallons of methylene chloride leaked within a process area at its manufacturing plant in Kalamazoo.
The City of Kalamazoo stated: statement“An unknown amount of colorless liquid was discharged into Pfizer’s private sewer system and flowed into the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant (KWRP) for treatment.”
The city noted that the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant can only process up to 291 gallons of methylene chloride per day.
Local officials have issued a no-touch advisory to the Kalamazoo River.
“At this time, the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services, is advising everyone to avoid contact with the Kalamazoo River from the Patterson Street Bridge to D Avenue in the City of Kalamazoo. Cooper township bridge,” a statement from county and city officials said.
“This advisory remains in effect until further investigation and sampling shows there is no risk to public health,” Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford said in a statement.
pfizer claimed“Given the amount of discharge and the controls in place, no health risks are expected.”
“Pfizer remains committed to working with the City of Kalamazoo to assess and minimize potential impacts to human health, the environment, and the communities in which we operate,” the drug company said. Ta.
by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) is a colorless liquid that can be harmful to the eyes, skin, liver, and heart. Exposure can cause drowsiness, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and nausea. Cancer. Severe exposure can cause loss of vitality.” Consciousness and death. ”
In addition to its use in pharmaceutical manufacturing, methylene chloride is also used in paint strippers, metal cleaners, adhesives, and lubricants.
by Occupational safety and health managementBetween 2000 and 2015, 17 American workers died while using methylene chloride paint stripping products to refinish bathtubs.
OSHA considers methylene chloride to be a potential occupational carcinogen.
of environmental protection agency classifies methylene chloride as “a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate, or a toxic waste when a substandard commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate is disposed of.”
The Kalamazoo site is Pfizer’s largest drug manufacturing plant, according to the company. company.
The 1,300-acre facility manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmaceutical products, and medical devices. The Kalamazoo facility produces 1,200 tons of product each year.
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Pfizer assures no health hazards after methylene chloride spill in Kalamazoowww.youtube.com
