A leak of sulfur trioxide recorded in a metallurgical company caused alarm among the residents of several neighboring neighborhoodsthe morning of this Wednesday, March 2.
A thick column of smoke that came out of the Peñoles facilities might be seen in the distance and the characteristic smell of sulfur was felt among the inhabitants of colonies such as Eduardo Guerra, Vicente Guerrero and others.
Videos and photographs also began to circulate through social networks regarding what happened, generating anxiety, because it was not known what was happening at that time.
It transpired that elements of Civil Protection went to the company’s facilities, but they were not allowed access.
Later, a statement was issued to inform that a pipeline of the plant registered a failurewhich caused the emission of sulfur trioxide, but in accordance with safety protocols, operations were stopped.
The company indicated that the leak was controlled without causing major damage to neighbors and workers.
The corresponding authorities were also informed immediately of what happened and the necessary investigation was carried out.
WHAT IS SULFUR TRIOXIDE?
According to the Cuban Encyclopedia, sulfur trioxide (SO3) at standard ambient temperature and pressure (25ºC and 1 atm) is in a gaseous state and is a very important pollutant, being the main agent of acid rain. It is the product of the oxidation of sulfur dioxide with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst such as vanadium or platinum pentoxide. It is produced on a large scale as a precursor to sulfuric acid.
The exhibition of high concentrations for short periods of time it can irritate the respiratory tract, cause bronchitis, asthmatic reactions, reflex spasms, respiratory arrest and congest the bronchial tubes of asthmatics.
