The Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee announced on March 4 that all five air samples collected on February 24 from areas surrounding the phosphorus production furnace explosion at Vietnam Yellow Phosphorus Limited Liability Company in Tang Loong Industrial Park, Tang Loong commune, met Vietnamese national quality standards. This assessment provides reassurance regarding the immediate environmental impact following the incident.
Samples were taken at various distances from the explosion site, including: factory gate 3 (approximately 100 meters away); a vacant lot to the west (about 200 meters); T19 road (around 400 meters); and an area adjacent to provincial road 152, close to Muong 1 village, Gia Phu commune (approximately 835 meters). Analysis focused on common air pollutants: TSP dust, ammonia (NH₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).
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Smoke column from the phosphorus plant explosion in Lao Cai on February 23. *Nguyen Quynh* |
However, the Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Environment highlighted a challenge in assessing specific gases associated with phosphorus production, such as phosphine (PH3) and phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5). Vietnam currently lacks regulatory standards for comparing these particular indicators. Furthermore, the provincial Environmental Monitoring and Technical Center presently lacks the necessary capacity and equipment for their analysis. The department committed to continued monitoring should any unusual situations develop.
The Provincial People's Committee also reported that the post-explosion cleanup and consequence management are largely complete, with no phosphorus detected on the floor surfaces. The company is proceeding with site cleaning. The Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Environment has recommended that the Provincial People's Committee direct Vietnam Yellow Phosphorus LLC to intensify efforts in collecting and treating all waste generated. After completing this process, the company must submit a report to regulatory agencies for supervision. The company will be held responsible for any pollution that impacts the environment or residents' health.
Vietnam Yellow Phosphorus Limited Liability Company (PP5), located in Tang Loong Industrial Park, Tang Loong commune, formerly Bao Thang district, specializes in basic chemical production. Yellow phosphorus, its primary product, serves as a raw material for various industries, including the manufacture of phosphoric acid, fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The incident occurred at 12:22 on February 23, when a double explosion of a refining tank at the company's phosphorus production furnace led to a phosphorus fire, caused by a depleted water level in the tank. Chemicals spilled beneath the tank, a section of the finished product warehouse roof collapsed, and equipment sustained damage. Tragically, one worker died.
Gia Chinh
