Phosgene leak occurs at Altivia plant in La Porte

Altivia's petrochemical plant in La Porte, Texas, had a leak of hazardous phosgene gas today, prompting an alert for area residents to shelter in place.

Altivia reported an upset at the plant around 11:40am ET on 4 December that caused the release of phosgene gas. Emergency responders were dispatched to the area. The shelter in place alert was issued for residents south of Fairmont, between Bay Area and South 16th Street.

An all clear was given for the area by the early afternoon, with no traces of phosgene or other hazardous chemicals detected downwind of the Altivia facility.

Phosgene produced at the plant goes into a variety of applications from plastics additives and chemical reagents, to antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Phosgene itself is a poisonous gas at room temperature according to the Center for Disease Control, with a variety of symptoms including coughing, burning sensation in the eyes and throat, and difficulty breathing.

By Aaron May