Another Leakage During Cleanup of Residual Sodium Hydroxide from Gwangyang Yulchon Industrial Complex

Medical Treatment for Over 100 Workers

On the 6th, a small amount of lithium hydroxide leaked again while cleaning up residues at the factory in the Yulchon Industrial Complex, Gwangyang, Jeonnam, where a lithium hydroxide leakage accident occurred.

According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on the 9th, some powdered lithium hydroxide from a secondary battery cathode material production factory in the Yulchon Industrial Complex was blown by the wind and fell into a nearby workplace the day before.

There were about 100 people in the workplace. They received medical treatment at a hospital. The medical results showed no significant health abnormalities.

Factory of a company scheduled to move into Yulchon Industrial Complex.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

At the factory, about 100 kg of lithium hydroxide leaked due to a broken pipe on the 6th. The factory was controlling the site and collecting the leaked material using vacuum trucks and other equipment.

At that time, about 700 workers at the site evacuated urgently, and 181 people received hospital treatment.

A factory official said, "Residues remained in the gaps of the factory, but it seems that strong winds blew them away," adding, "There are still residues throughout the factory, so it is expected to take time to collect them all."

The Yeosu branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor issued a warning to the factory on the 7th and notified them to establish measures to prevent recurrence.

Lithium hydroxide can cause burns upon contact with the human body. Inhalation may cause pneumonia and pulmonary edema, or be accompanied by coughing and difficulty breathing.