Vast majority of chemicals burned in French Lubrizol factory fire were organic, CEO says

Record ID: 1438081

  • Title: Vast majority of chemicals burned in French Lubrizol factory fire were organic, CEO says
  • Date: 22nd October 2019
  • Summary: ROUEN, FRANCE (RECENT - SEPTEMBER 26, 2019) (REUTERS) DAMAGED FACTORY ROOF WITH SMOKE RISING BLACK SMOKE FROM FACTORY FIRE IN SKY BLACK SMOKE RISING FROM FACTORY
  • Embargoed: 5th November 2019 11:57
  • Keywords: Rouen fire Lubrizol chemicals health hazards France Normandy factory
  • Location: ROUEN AND PARIS, FRANCE
  • City: ROUEN AND PARIS, FRANCE
  • Country: France
  • Topics: Disaster/Accidents,Fires
  • Reuters ID: LVA002B26JOEF
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: PART AUDIO AS INCOMING
    The head of the chemical company that owns the Rouen factory which burned last month stirring rumours of possible health hazards on Tuesday (October 22) reassured French lawmakers that the smoke that resulted from the blaze was benign.
    Speaking at a hearing at the French parliament's Economic Affairs Commission, Lubrizol Corporation CEO Eric Schnur said the burned chemicals, which are used to produce engine oil and hydraulic fluids, were composed mostly of non-dangerous organic materials.
    A large fire broke out on September 26 at a Lubrizol factory in the northern river port city of Rouen.
    For fear of chemicals being released into the air, France had put restrictive measures on agricultural production in the area, the last of which was lifted on Friday, causing 40 to 50 million euros of revenue loss in the sector, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
    Schnur said he felt "frustrated" that Lubrizol could not find financial compensation to businesses hurt by the fire quickly enough.
    "It's a question of being a good neighbour," he said. "We intend to be a good neighbour in Rouen."
    Schnur said Lubrizol does not plan to rebuild the two buildings that were destroyed by the flames, adding that plant employees will continue to be paid full salary during the recovery period.
    (Production: Ardee Napolitano)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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