"West Midlands Incident: Sodium Cyanide Spill in Walsall Canal"

A significant environmental emergency has occurred in the West Midlands due to a sodium cyanide spill into the Walsall Canal. The incident has triggered an immediate response from local authorities and environmental agencies. Efforts are underway to contain and mitigate the effects of the spill, while ensuring public safety and assessing the environmental impact.

The public is advised to avoid a 12-mile stretch of canals and towpaths following a toxic chemical spill.

A significant event was declared on Wednesday after officials reported that a sodium cyanide spill in a canal in the West Midlands posed a serious public health threat.

People are being warned to steer clear of a 12-mile stretch of canals and towpaths, primarily around Walsall, following a toxic spill believed to have occurred on Monday. The danger is particularly high for individuals and pets who come into direct contact with the canal water. According to the UK Health Security Agency, sodium cyanide exposure can result in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, heart rate fluctuations, drowsiness, seizures, vomiting, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

The UK Health Security Agency describes sodium cyanide as “white, crystal-like solids with a slight almond scent,” commonly used in industries for purposes like metal cleaning, plating, extraction, and photography.

Walsall council was informed of the spill on 12 August, which contaminated over a mile of the canal, stretching from Spinks Bridge to Birchills Street Bridge in Pleck. Walsall council leader, Garry Perry, emphasized that the safety of residents was the top priority.

"I understand their concerns and hope this matter is resolved swiftly," he stated. "We are coordinating with our partners to manage the situation, which has been declared a major incident. For your safety, please avoid the canal and its towpaths." Perry also told the BBC that the investigation into the incident was ongoing and evolving. He further noted, "Incidents of this nature are always concerning, especially when they pose potential risks to both human and animal health."

While there will be an inquiry into the cause of the spill, Perry mentioned it was too soon to speculate. The council released a map outlining the canals to be avoided by the public, covering waterways from Walsall lock flight to lock flights at Rushall, Ryders Green, and Perry Barr. Anyone who has come into contact with the canal water in the affected area and feels unwell is encouraged to seek medical advice by calling 111 or, in emergencies, 999.

The council advised against consuming any fish caught from the canal, while reassuring that drinking water remains unaffected. Multiple agencies, including police, fire, ambulance services, councils, the Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Severn Trent Water, and the Canal and Rivers Trust, were all involved in responding to the major incident. The Environment Agency initiated a sampling and testing program, aimed at minimizing the impacted area as quickly as possible, according to authorities.

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Source;theguardian‍