Chemical accident at BASF: Pantolacton runs into the Rhine - no danger!

Chemical accident at BASF: Pantolacton runs into the Rhine - no danger!

A serious incident at BASF in Ludwigshafen has drawn attention to the security standards of the chemical company. On Thursday, October 17th, an unintentional release of around 250 kilograms of Pantolacton occurred during the cooling water system, which came to the Rhine. Fortunately, the company managed to stop leaving quickly, and the authorities were informed immediately. According to BASF, there was never a risk to people or aquatic organisms, since the product is classified as weakly water -hazardous and slightly biodegradable. A warning of Rhineland-Palatinate informed residents about the situation to keep them up to date.

Pantolactone, which is often used in nutritional supplements as well as medical and cosmetic products, can cause severe eye irritation. This is not the first incident of this kind; Only recently an employee had to be admitted to the hospital after taking a gas in another accident. The exact causes of the last incident are currently being examined intensively in order to minimize future risks. Further information is in a report on www.ludwigshafen24.de to read.