Environmental Pollution

On July 27th, a chlorine gas leak occurred at a Mitsui Chemicals factory in Omuta, Japan, after a stainless-steel pipe ruptured. The incident led to 82 people, including residents and first responders, requiring medical attention for symptoms like coughing and nausea. The leak was contained within two hours. Mitsui Chemicals has formally apologized for the incident. Chlorine gas, while crucial for various industrial processes, is toxic and can cause severe respiratory and environmental damage.

Xiamen Customs intercepted a shipment of calcium fluoride sludge, disguised as industrial material, at Dongdu Port. The substance, a semiconductor manufacturing byproduct, is classified as prohibited foreign waste under Chinese law. Importing foreign waste is illegal, and the shipment will be returned with a fine imposed. Criminal charges may follow. The sludge poses environmental risks like soil and water contamination and health hazards including fluoride toxicity and potential heavy metal exposure, impacting ecosystems and human health.