Alzenau (dpa / lby) – A small amount of dangerous nitric acid escaped when working in a logistics company in Alzenau, Lower Franconia. An employee who came into contact with the substance was examined in a hospital, as the district fire inspection of the Aschaffenburg district office announced on Tuesday. Nothing was initially known about the severity of the possible injury.
Nitric acid (HNO3) is a colorless liquid with a strong smell and is highly corrosive. Skin contact can cause wounds that are difficult to heal. Nitric acid can cause violent reactions with other substances. There is a risk of fire if you come into contact with combustible materials.
According to previous knowledge, the acid had escaped from a damaged package when packages were being handled. The fire brigade arrived and the area was cordoned off. The affected packages were secured. The nitric acid could be bound with chemical binders. According to the District Fire Inspectorate, small amounts of nitric acid may be shipped. Further details were initially unclear.