Albemarle Corporation’s Magnolia South plant experienced a release of sulfur trioxide (or SO3) gas at 7:40 a.m. today.
Access to the plant was blocked while the gas leak was contained.
Magnolia plant manager Jason Bevan said there were no injuries and that the release was secured.
“We are continuing to coordinate with relevant authorities on this matter as safety remains Albemarle's top priority,” Bevan said in a statement.
According to chemical references, sulfur trioxide fumes when exposed to air. The gas is colorless but has a pungent odor. SO3 is used as a reagent – a substance added to a system to cause a chemical reaction.
