Pasadena, Tex.-Air Products and Chemicals Inc. has isolated the source of a nitric oxide release at its Pasadena plant last week (Feb. 23) that triggered a shelter-in-place order and closed portions of a state highway. “What we know is that our nitric acid unit tripped and shortly after that a pipe associated with the unit developed a leak,” said Beth Mentesana, spokeswoman for the Lehigh Valley, Pa.-based company. “We are still in the process of investigating the causes of these incidents. I can’t speculate on timing of start up, but I can confirm there was no significant damage to the unit.” There were no injuries, but at least three people who complained of breathing difficulties were treated at a local hospital. The release occurred before 5 p.m., and the shelter-in-place order was lifted around 8 p.m. Plant Manager Jacques Joseph told the local media that authorities were notified immediately and advised about the wind direction so nearby residents could be warned. But there was some disagreement with first-responders about the timing. “Some of our first reports came from motorists as they drove through the orange cloud,” said Fire Chief Lanny Armstrong.
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