Kota Kinabalu: A chlorine gas release occurred at a water treatment plant in Papar whose strong smell disturbed nearby residents Sunday evening, said the Fire and Rescue Department, who added no casualties occurred in the incident.
The department received an alert at 9.28pm about the incident at the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant.
"The plant's technical officer sealed the chlorine tank valve while firemen inspected the scene for danger," said the department.
The operation wrapped up at 10pm, said the department further in an update.
Chlorine is an element used in industry and found in some household products, said the American CDC on its website.
"Chlorine is sometimes in the form of a poisonous gas. Chlorine gas can be pressurized and cooled to change it into a liquid so that it can be shipped and stored," it said.
"When liquid chlorine is released, it quickly turns into a gas that stays close to the ground and spreads rapidly."
During or immediately after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine, the CDC said, people may develop blurred vision, burning pain, redness, blisters on the skin if exposed to gas, burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes; coughing, chest tightness and other symptoms.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.