On the afternoon of 23/2, a phosphorus production furnace (P4) at Vietnam Yellow Phosphorus Company Limited, located in Tang Loong Industrial Park, Tang Loong commune, Bao Thang district, experienced a double rupture of its refining tank. The depletion of water in the tank led to a phosphorus fire, with chemicals spilling beneath the refining tank and posing an environmental risk to the surrounding area.
Doctor Khuat Quang Son from the University of Fire Prevention and Fighting in Hanoi explained that yellow phosphorus, a pyrophoric substance, spontaneously ignites in air at 30-40 degrees Celsius, releasing intense heat. When P4 burns or explodes, it disperses smoke into the air, consisting of ultrafine P4O10 oxide particles, phosphoric acid aerosols, and potentially unburned P4 particles. These substances are toxic, causing respiratory irritation and affecting the health of exposed individuals.
"This toxic chemical fire poses significant danger to humans, living organisms, and the environment," Doctor Son stated.
Inhaling the smoke can cause respiratory irritation and chemical burns, leading to a burning sensation in the nose and throat, severe coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Many victims develop pulmonary edema, with increasing shortness of breath and decreasing SpO₂ levels potentially occurring hours later. High-concentration exposure can result in respiratory failure and multi-organ damage.
If these substances spill into stormwater or wastewater collection systems, they can rapidly lower the water's pH (pH below 5,6 damages most aquatic species). Phosphorus-rich water can cause eutrophication, threatening aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality, according to Doctor Son. Additionally, residual combustion products may settle into the soil, altering its pH and impacting agricultural production and the regional ecosystem.
Doctor Nguyen Thai Ngoc Minh from Le Huu Trac National Hospital of Burns in Hanoi stated that phosphorus is one of the most hazardous toxins, capable of causing rapid death at high exposure levels. This toxic gas directly attacks the cardiovascular system, leading to acute heart failure with a very high mortality rate. Currently, there is no specific antidote.
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A plume of smoke rises after the phosphorus production furnace explosion in Lao Cai. Photo: Nguyen Quynh. |
Doctors advise residents around the Tang Loong explosion site to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as nausea, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or an abnormally rapid heartbeat. Self-monitoring at home could lead to missing the critical window for emergency treatment.
In downwind areas, phosphorus fire smoke, carrying acid, poses a risk of corroding metals and materials, as well as damaging crops.
Doctors recommend that authorities inform residents of the risks, conduct environmental monitoring downwind, and evacuate people if toxin concentrations exceed safe thresholds. Comprehensive measures are needed to address fire, explosion, and environmental hazards, especially the risk of phosphorus re-ignition.
Thuy An
