Chlorine gas emission reported at Chemical Factory in Homagama

By Budhika Kumarasiri

Emission of chlorine gas to the environment from the chemical factory in Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama which was on fire several days ago, was experienced on Wednesday night (23) again.

A senior official of the Homagama Police said steps were taken to carry out an inspection on public complaints of air pollution caused by a smell of chlorine and to inform the Colombo District Disaster Management Unit.

He said the Colombo Municipal Fire Brigade, the Disaster Management Unit, and the Army rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Investigations revealed that a stock of chlorine which had been exposed to stormwater during the rain experienced in the area on the previous day had resulted in the emission of chlorine gas to the environment.