Community Corner

Smell Something Funny? Here's Why

Odors from a chemical plant fire in Bristol, PA, have wafted over to New Jersey, but they're not dangerous, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.

The following information has been provided by the state Department of Environmental Protecton (DEP) for residents in regard to the :

The Department of Environmental Protection continues to monitor air in southern New Jersey as a result of chemical odors from a fire at a Bristol, PA chemical plant. Odors have been reported today in parts of Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. 

Air monitoring has not detected any hazardous levels of chemicals in New Jersey. The chemicals have a low odor threshold, meaning they can be smelled readily at very low levels that are not considered a health risk.  

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The DEP advises that some people may be sensitive to the odors. Any individuals who experience eye, nose or respiratory irritation or other sensitivities should remain indoors with windows and doors closed until the odors pass.

The New Jersey DEP has been in contact with the Pennsylvania DEP and Dow Chemical, which has been working to mitigate odors from two tanks damaged by a lightning strike and fire early Wednesday morning. The tanks held ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate.

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Ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate are used in the manufacturing of acrylic coating products, which go into paints. Dow has advised the DEP odors may persist until the materials are remediated from the site.

The company has set up a community hotline to provide updates at 215-781-4600.


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