Kuala lumpur: Two chemicals involved in the trailer incident on the Second Link bridge are classified as less hazardous in a controlled form, but have the potential to affect the marine ecosystem and public safety if accidentally released into the environment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry senior lecturer Ts. ChM. Dr. Faizuan Abdullah emphasized the importance of addressing the risks associated with the accident involving two trailers carrying chemicals at Kilometre 0.8 of the Plus highway's Second Link stretch. Despite no pollution being detected so far, the risk remains significant.
Dr. Faizuan explained that one of the trailers was transporting propylene glycol, a water-soluble organic compound frequently used in various industries. While generally low in toxicity to humans and animals, if spilled into the sea in large quantities, it can reduce dissolved oxygen through biodegradation, triggering hypoxia harmful to marine life.
The other substance involved is sodium hypochlorite, a bleaching agent and disinfectant with a highly oxidative nature that poses a direct toxic threat to aquatic life. Its interaction with natural organic matter in water can form trihalomethanes (THMs), toxic compounds with potential long-term carcinogenic effects.
Dr. Faizuan highlighted the risk of direct exposure causing irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, especially affecting rescue workers, road users, or nearby communities if not properly managed. He proposed isolating the area, conducting periodic monitoring of water and sediment quality, and undertaking a comprehensive environmental risk assessment (ERA) by the relevant authorities.
He also recommended early warnings for fishing communities and coastal residents and ensuring personnel at the site are equipped with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr. Faizuan commended the preparedness of agencies like the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Malaysian Chemistry Department, the Department of Environment (DOE), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for their high-tech chemical detection capabilities.
Additionally, he suggested utilizing other assets, including the mobile laboratory owned by the Chemistry Department, equipped with a TD-GC-MS system, and assets like the Gasmet FTIR and Scanning Infrared Gas Imaging System (SIGIS 2), for effective detection and risk assessment of chemical spread at the incident site.
The incident occurred at 5.41 pm yesterday, when two trailers carrying propylene glycol and sodium hypochlorite were involved in an accident at the Second Link bridge, resulting in one of the trailers plunging into the sea.