Hazardous Materials Evacuation Orders Lifted

Last updated: October 23, 7:15 p.m. This page will be updated as new information is available.

What happened?

• At 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, a 911 call alerted Toledo Fire & Rescue to an active release of an unknown material from a tanker at 1266 Progress Ave (MC Tank Terminal).
• At 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered everyone within a 1-mile radius to evacuate due to threat of explosion.
• At 4:24 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered everyone within a 3-mile radius to shelter in place based on preliminary plume modeling.
• At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Toledo Fire & Rescue adjusted the evacuation zone to a 1/2 mile radius and lifted the shelter-in-place order due to improving air quality and reduced temperature inside the tank.
• At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, Toledo Fire & Rescue adjusted the evacuation zone to a 1/4 mile radius due to improving air quality and reduced temperature inside the tank.
• As of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, the tank had stopped releasing material and crews were able to approach the tank for inspection.
• At 12:00 Friday, Oct. 23, Toledo Fire & Rescue lifted the evacuation zone due to verified completion of the material release.

Toledo Fire & Rescue hazardous materials personnel are working with federal, state and local partners to monitor conditions, coordinate mitigation efforts, and evaluate next steps. Follow along with updates from the US EPA's response.

What is the current guidance for residents?

• The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has issued guidance for residents on how to ensure their home is safe.
• The Ohio State University Extension office recommends that residents/businesses dispose of any produce or crops that were outside within the 3-mile shelter-in-place zone.
• The City of Toledo is cleaning all playgrounds within the 3-mile shelter-in-place zone, in line with health department guidance.
• If you need additional guidance, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has an informational hotline: 419-779-7089.

What chemical was released?

The chemical released is glycidyl methacrylate, an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. If exposure occurs, shower or rinse the impacted area.

Symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Please contact a medical professional if you believe you're having a reaction to exposure.

What data is available?

Air monitoring is being performed by the US EPA, a private contractor, and Toledo Environmental Services. Data will be shared as it is available, but the documents below do not represent complete results. This information is preliminary and has not completed full quality assurance and quality control review and may be updated as additional data are validated. Air monitoring is still ongoing.

Onterris Monitoring Data - October 21

Onterris Monitoring Data - October 22

Toledo Environmental Services Monitoring Data - October 21-22

NASA and NOAA Air Quality and Satellite Data - October 21

US EPA Air Monitoring Locations

Am I in the evacuation zone?

The evacuation orders have been lifted. Anyone who still needs shelter can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or 211 to connect with resources.

What should I do if my home was impacted by the plume?

1. Ventilate your home. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home, if possible, on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze.
2. Clean surfaces where chemical vapors or airborne particles may have settled. Wear gloves, use warm water and dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals), and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
3. Discard exposed food. Throw away uncovered fresh fruits, vegetables, pet food, or water left outside or on countertops during the exposure. Food inside a refrigerator or freezer that remained closed may be protected from airborne exposure.
4. Monitor for symptoms. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. If symptoms develop while inside your home, leave the building and move to fresh air. Seek medical advice or evaluation and explain that you may have been exposed to GMA. Call 9-1-1 for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or other life-threatening symptoms.
5. For additional guidance: call the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department informational hotline: 419-779-7089.

Download or print this guidance

Is the tap water safe?

Yes. The water source is not contaminated. All treatment for tap water takes place inside and is distributed through pressurized water lines.

There's fog and haze where I am. Is that the chemical plume?

The chemical is no longer being released from the tank, but fog has been present over the past few days in Toledo. If you smell an unusual odor outside, especially if it is accompanied by irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, please stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.

I can smell a chemical odor. Should I be concerned?

GMA has a fruity odor. Smelling it doesn't always mean toxic levels of exposure. If you are outside the evacuation or shelter-in-place zones and smell an unusual odor, especially if it is accompanied by irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, please stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air.

I'm feeling unwell. What should I do?

• For minor symptoms, such as mild eye, nose, throat, or skin irritation, shower or rinse the impacted area and contact a medical professional.
• For serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, go to the emergency room or call 911.
• If you're looking for health-related guidance, you can contact the Toledo Lucas-County Health Department at 419-213-4100.

Can I drive through the area? Is the Interstate closed?

All roads have reopened.

Can I take my boat into waterways in the area?

All waterways are open.

Who should I call for more information?

• For emergencies: call 911
• For information and guidance, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has an informational hotline: 419-779-7089.
• For questions on the current status of the site, Engage Toledo will be able to provide information that has already been released.

Where can I get official updates?

City of Toledo website, Toledo Fire & Rescue social media, and Lucas County EMA alerts.

What is the impact to City services?

City services returned to normal operations Thursday, Oct. 22. Normal trash collection has resumed; residents whose pickup was missed Wednesday will be collected starting Friday, Oct. 23 and continuing through the weekend.

Past Resources

Impact to city services - October 21

Top 4 things to know - October 21 (English) | (Spanish)

Critical information - October 21 (ASL)

Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Guidance

Lucas County OSU Extension Guidance for Livestock and Pets