An early Tuesday morning (16th of January) at the Villeroy & Boch company in Roeselare, a leak occurred, releasing 30,000 litres of toxic polyester. The leak was discovered by employees, and the fire department was immediately contacted. The released substance, styrene, is harmful when inhaled and causes odor nuisance. Neighboring residents and businesses were advised to keep windows and doors closed. Firefighters performed measurements and determined that there was no immediate danger to public health.
Toxic leak at Villeroy & Boch in Roeselare, 3,000 liters of polyester ended up in the sewers: “Keep windows and doors closed”
— benishii 🍄🦄💨 aka Sjah Massamapoepoepoe (@benishii_) January 16, 2024
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A cleaning company was brought in to remove the product from the sewers. The leak and the spread of the substance were halted, partly due to the winter cold slowing down evaporation. Specialised companies were set to carry out the cleanup operations. Further spread of the toxic substance was halted by measures taken both inside and outside the company. It is emphasised that since the morning, there is no longer any danger to the surrounding environment and the ecosystem.
Source: Het Nieuwsblad