PASIR GUDANG: State Environment Department (DoE) declared the air quality at the district as safe, following a styrene gas tank valve rupture at the Idemitsu factory along Jalan Pekeliling near here yesterday.
Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Azmi Rahim said tests were conducted by the Hazardous Material Unit and DoE around the clock and there were no traces of abnormalities.
"Even though the air quality has returned to normal, and no threats have been identified, we will continue to monitor and check the surrounding areas periodically.
"Air quality is checked every two hours while the styrene gas tank temperature reading is monitored every 15 minutes, as a precautionary measure.
"Cooling operations will be continued to maintain the chemical substance temperature inside the tank.
"There were no casualties and police confirmed that there were no reports lodged by victims experiencing symptoms due to the styrene gas leak," Azmi said.
Styrene is a colourless liquid which is used for the production of plastic pipes, fibreglass, electrical wiring and resins. Styrene can enter the environment after being released in gas or liquid form.
Inhalation of styrene gas is rapidly absorbed by the liver and lung tissues while short-term exposure can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and cause dizziness.
The tank storing the gas in the factory leaked after its valve ruptured yesterday.