Chemical leak at Salem dyeing unit sickens over 50 people

More than 50 workers and nearby residents suffered eye irritation and breathing difficulties after a chemical leak at a dyeing unit in Gugai, Salem on Tuesday night. The unit, owned by Mr. Badrinathan, sits on Muniyappan Kovil Street in Ward 47 of the Salem Corporation. Workers were mixing hydrochloric acid for textile yarn dyeing when they noticed fumes escaping from the dyeing room. They rushed out as the fumes caused shortness of breath. Because the unit is in a residential area, people in adjoining houses also complained of eye irritation and shortness of breath and alerted authorities. A team from Shevapet Fire and Rescue Services arrived, entered the dyeing room, sprayed water and contained the leak, bringing the situation under control in less than 30 minutes. Police later inspected the site and recorded statements that similar leaks had occurred earlier, causing discomfort to locals. Investigators are checking whether the unit had the required permissions from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and how the hydrochloric acid escaped. ## Context Dyeing factories commonly use strong acids such as hydrochloric acid, and accidental releases can affect both workers and nearby communities. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is responsible for granting and monitoring environmental clearances for such units, aiming to prevent hazardous exposures.