1. Summary of sulfuric acid chemical incident in Dak Lak

According to initial information, heavy rain and floods caused water to rise, sweeping away about 100 cans of high concentration sulfuric acid from a local factory. Blue or gray chemical cans, each containing about 20 liters, are believed to be floating widely in floodwaters.

Local authorities have issued an urgent warning, advising people to stop if they find a can suspected of containing H₂SO₄.
Do not open, do not try, do not take home to reuse must immediately report to the commune police or the nearest authorities for collection and disposal according to safety procedures.

2. What is sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and why is it dangerous in floodwater?

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong inorganic acid, highly corrosive and hydrophilic. In concentrated form, H₂SO₄ can cause
deep burns to skin, eyes and respiratory tract only for a short time of contact. When in contact with water, concentrated acid releases a lot of heat, the solution can splash, increasing the risk of burns to people nearby.

The main risks when H₂SO₄ is carried into floodwaters include:

• Chemical burns to humans and pets: Acidic floodwater can cause skin irritation and burns, and is especially dangerous for children.
• Respiratory effects: Acid vapor and acid mist strongly irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Corrosion of metals, concrete, infrastructure: Causes damage to bridge structures and equipment if exposed for a long time.
• Environmental pollution: Sharply reduces water pH, causing pH shock to aquatic life, burning roots and leaves of plants.

When contacting Dak Lak sulfuric acid incident, the concern is the large number of cans, if many cans are cracked at the same time, the affected area can spread along the flow and is difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Dak Lak Sulfuric Acid Incident: Risks & Impacts

In any chemical accident, especially those involving strong acids such as H₂SO₄, the scope of influence often does not stop at the area around the factory but also spreads along water currents, wind and terrain.

• Direct risks to people: Reusing the can or opening the lid for inspection may result in acid burns or inhalation of acid vapors, causing serious injury.
• Surface water pollution: Multiple leaking cans at one point can cause flooding in that area. sudden drop in pH, causing death of fish, shrimp, and aquatic species.
• Impact on soil and crops: Acid seeps into the soil, burning roots and leaves, reducing fertility, and taking a long time and money to neutralize and improve.
• Risk of impact on groundwater: If the H₂SO₄ seeps deeply, it can change the well water quality and should be tested after the flood recedes.

4. What should people do when they see a can suspected of containing sulfuric acid?

For the people, the most important principle in Dak Lak sulfuric acid incident is "see - avoid - report":

• Do not approach, do not touch, do not open, do not smell: Avoid any direct contact with the can and surrounding water.
• Do not scoop or reuse chemical cans: Absolutely do not use to store water, gasoline or any other purpose.
• Keep a safe distance: If the water has a strange color, is foamy, or has a pungent smell, do not wade through it.
• Report immediately to local authorities: Record or take a photo of the location from a distance, contact the local police or hotline for handling.

If you suspect contact with acidic water or mud (burning, stinging sensation), Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and go to the nearest medical facility for examination.

5. Suggested H₂SO₄ incident response procedures for authorities and businesses

From a technical perspective, Loc Thien proposes some general principles when responding to sulfuric acid spills. Actual implementation must be decided by trained forces.

5.1. Confine and protect the scene

• Set up soft fences, markers, warning tape, and restrict people from entering areas with chemical cans and water stains suspected of being contaminated with acid.
• Limit sources of fire and sparks in the collection area if there is a risk of generating flammable gases.

5.2. Full chemical protective equipment

• Wear chemical-resistant goggles, inorganic vapor respirator or mask, acid-resistant rubber gloves, chemical-resistant boots and clothing.
• Only personnel trained in chemical safety should enter hazardous areas.

5.3. Neutralization and safe collection (when conditions permit)

• Use dry sandbags or inert material to cover the acid stain to prevent it from spreading.
• Slowly spread the neutralizer such as Na₂CO₃ (soda ash), CaCO₃ or slaked lime from outside to inside, avoiding standing against the wind.
• Collect the neutralized sludge into HDPE drums, label as hazardous waste and transfer to a licensed disposal facility.

5.4. Enterprises review chemical warehouse systems

• Elevated chemical warehouse with retaining walls and spill trays suitable for extreme flooding scenarios.
• Develop and practice plans sulfuric acid incident response during the rainy season
• Provide chemical safety training for workers, clearly define reporting procedures and coordinate with local authorities.

6. Chemical safety lessons from the Dak Lak sulfuric acid incident

The Dak Lak sulfuric acid incident shows that when natural disasters combine with industrial activities, risks to the community can increase very quickly without appropriate response plans.

• Chemical warehouses must be designed to take into account extreme flood scenarios., especially in the Central Highlands provinces, which are often flooded.
• Disaster prevention plans need to be linked with chemical safety., not just stopping at evacuating people and property.
• Communities need to be informed about chemical safety.: If you see strange chemical packaging, stay away and report it. Do not reuse cans/tanks that have contained chemicals.

As a long-standing unit operating in the field water treatment chemicals and industrial chemicalsLoc Thien is ready to accompany factories and localities in building safety procedures, training in the use and storage of chemicals, and consulting on solutions to handle incidents.