Accident on the Turnpike: Hazardous material leak caused; what you should know

TOLEDO, Ohio — Four people were killed Thursday morning when three crashes involving 12 vehicles occurred within an hour. One of those vehicles was carrying sulfuric acid, an extremely hazardous material. Several emergency responders were treated for contact with the material, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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Here is a breakdown of the uses, hazards and regulations related to sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid, sometimes called battery acid, is a colorless, clear, oily liquid, according to the Center for Disease Control. It has a pungent odor and can catch fire when it comes into contact with certain materials and other chemicals.

According to the State of Ohio, sulfuric acid is an extremely dangerous substance. If it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause severe chemical burns because it quickly breaks down proteins and lipids in tissues. If it comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause blindness, and if ingested, it can damage the esophagus.

Rescue workers who rushed to the scene of the accident on Thursday wore protective suits. As a precautionary measure, a 46-meter-wide safety perimeter was set up around the accident site, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.

Sulfuric acid is widely transported due to its wide range of industrial uses. According to the CDC, the chemical is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, other acids and adhesives, and in petroleum refining. It is produced more in the United States than any other chemical.

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Carriers transporting hazardous materials must register with certain state and/or federal agencies depending on the type of transport. When the material is transported in certain quantities, Ohio drivers must display signs on their vehicle indicating the presence of the material.

Environmental emergencies such as chemical spills should be reported to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency through its 24-hour hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-282-9378 or 614-224-0946. The Ohio EPA emergency response team can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to a safety data sheet from chemical company El Dorado, cleaning up an accidental release of sulfuric acid involves using dams or absorbers to prevent the chemical from entering sewers or rivers, and then neutralizing the acid.

All cleaning personnel will be provided with appropriate protective equipment during this process, including chemically resistant materials and fabrics, corrosion-resistant clothing, gloves, respiratory protection and more.