Breathing vapor from the chemical released by the tank may cause “coughing, throat burning, headache, or shortness of breath,” according to a release from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.
Contact with the skin or eyes can lead to severe irritation or chemical burns as well as allergic skin reactions, the department said.
Toledo’s mayor said the leak can cause “a little irritation” to the eyes and a “taste in the back of the throat” for some residents. Short-term exposure to the leak will not cause a long-term disturbance to public health, he added, while cautioning that those with “health challenges” would likely need to take greater precautions.
Residents whose skin or eyes have been exposed should remove contaminated clothing and rinse themselves with clean running water for at least 15 minutes, the department said, adding that if symptoms continue, people should seek medical care immediately.
Those affected should continue to follow instructions from emergency responders and local health officials.
CNN’s Aidan Johnstone contributed to this post.