Video from the scene of a reported explosion at the International Paper mill in Cantonment. Melissa Nelson Gabriel
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the substance on the road after the blast was black liquor — a waste product in the paper manufacturing process — in a news release Monday. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) filed by International Paper, however, states that black liquor can cause severe skin burns and eye damage; it is toxic to aquatic life; it can be corrosive to the respiratory tract and can corrode metals.
“(On Sunday night, International Paper in Cantonment) experienced a manufacturing process failure that released a mixture of wood fiber, water and pulping liquor into the surrounding area. If you or your pets have had contact with the materials, please wash the affected area for 15 minutes with soap and water. If you are experiencing skin irritation or respiratory issues, please see your doctor. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.
For those nearby the facility, we are working with response agencies from the county and state and will have additional information as it becomes available.
If the materials have come into contact with your vehicle, please thoroughly wash your vehicle and avoid contact with the material.”
A representative with International Paper said they are still investigating the cause of the blast.
Article Source: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/cantonment/2017/01/23/international-paper-explosion-what-we-know/96939044/