Chemical fumes worry Lookout Valley residents

Smoke tile
Smoke tile

Chattanooga firefighters investigated reports of a strange odor in Lookout Valley Friday night.

They were unable to locate the smell. However, John Schultz, an investigator with the Air Pollution Control Bureau, informed the fire department that he tracked the smell to a local business.

Schultz said employees of the Chattanooga Tank Wash on Pineville Road were cleaning out a tank that contained ethyl acrylate, causing chemical fumes to spread through the area. Schultz said residents called the bureau complaining of burning eyes, respiratory distress and throat irritation. The Chattanooga Fire Department said that no serious injuries requiring emergency medical care were reported.

The company stopped cleaning the tank Friday night, and Schultz said Saturday's sun and wind were likely to eliminate any remaining odor. Schultz said the bureau may pursue enforcement action against the company, and that the investigation is ongoing.

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