January 4, 2007

chemical leak at nylon intermediates plant in Teesside

The Science Media Centre asked two toxicology experts to comment on the leak of hexamethylenediamine at the BASF plant in Teesside.

Dr Andrew Smith, MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, said:

“Hexamethylenediamine which is used in nylon manufacture is very corrosive if spilt on the skin and eyes and to the airways and lungs if breathed in. Long term exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.”

Professor Alastair Hay, Professor of Environmental Toxicology, University of Leeds, said:

“Hexamethylenediamine or 1,6 hexanediamine as it is sometimes known, is a corrosion inhibitor and also used in resins and dyes. It is an irritant and can irritate eyes, nose and throat. It is also a skin sensitiser and is capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis. The chemical is freely soluble in water and therefore it is important that it be kept away from water courses in order to protect aquatic and marine life.”