Russian air strike on chemical plant causes nitric acid leak in Luhansk region. Photo

In Sievierodonetsk (Luhansk region) a tanker with nitric acid was damaged as a result of an air strike by Russian troops on a chemical plant.

This was announced on the evening of May 31 in a telegram channel by the head of the military-civil administration of the region Serhiy Haidai. He also warned of the threat to the population and gave the first instructions on how to act in case of danger of chemical poisoning.

From the photos published by Haidai, it can be seen that a huge pillar of red smoke rose above the city.

Photo: Serhiy Haidai

The official urged residents of the region not to come out of hiding and prepare face masks soaked in soda solution, as well as to monitor the direction of the wind. He also added that people who found themselves without contact in the region, special services have already announced the threat.

Haidai reminded than dangerous nitric acid :

• when inhaled, swallowed, in contact with skin and mucous membranes. Acid fumes are irritating to the respiratory tract;
• with mild poisoning there are signs of bronchitis, mild bronchiolitis, dizziness, drowsiness;
• in severe poisoning - pulmonary edema.
• in the case of local action on the eyes, nitric acid causes severe damage with extensive necrosis of the cornea and conjunctiva, leading to vision loss.

Gas masks should be used to protect against nitric acid vapors and mists.

First aid

1. If nitric acid gets into the eyes, rinse them under running water for 10-30 minutes.
2. If the substance gets on the skin, the affected area should be washed with water, adding baking soda, soap.
3. When the victim has swallowed nitric acid, gastric lavage with plenty of water is indicated.

Photo: Serhiy Haidai

Adviser to the Union of Chemists of Ukraine Oleksiy Sinitsa in a comment "Public" said that consequences for the environment from nitric acid emissions will be possible to assess later.

"Nitric acid in the clouds or fog is acid rain. There are worse versions of acid rain, the chemical industry requires respect.

Before EcoPolitics reported that on April 5 in the village of Rubizhne, Luhansk region Russian troops hit a tank with nitric acid.

Given the potential danger of chemical poisoning, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine prepared then information about nitric acid.