An accidental release of chemicals at Chemours prompted employees to shelter in place and nonessential personnel were advised not to report. Company officials say there were no injuries that occurred due to the leak of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorcarbons – highly toxic compounds according to the National Institute of Health.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, cleaners, fire control systems and limited medical applications, according to the NIH. Chlorofluorocarbons are more commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon and are widely used in refrigerants and solvents. Officials say the total release of the gases was less than four pounds.
