New Albany [US]: Clark County Emergency Management Agency confirmed that an unusual plume of yellow smoke was seen coming from Blue Grass Chemical Specialties in New Albany on Tuesday morning. The solution released was Nitrogen Oxide, which has prompted state and local environmental officials to investigate the incident. Mayor Jeff Gahan also commented on the matter.

Blue Grass Chemical Specialties, located in an industrial park off I-265 on Industrial Boulevard, had a rather visible yellow cloud in the area. Although it made some residents uneasy, the plant's chemical engineer assured that the smoke was “not harmful at these quantities”.

The smoke at the Blue Grass Chemical Specialties' plant was due to a reaction that has since stopped, according to Gahan. Thankfully, there was no fire or explosion at the site. To ensure that a similar incident does not happen again in the future, the company is conducting a root-cause analysis.

State, local, and county environmental officials are closely monitoring a recent situation in which a chemical release prompted Indiana University Southeast to order their students and faculty to shelter in place. Fortunately, the order has since been lifted.

Nitric acid is a dangerous chemical compound that can cause several issues if inhaled or exposed to the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Nitrogen Oxides are used in its production. Symptoms resulting from exposure may include irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, as well as lung conditions and dental erosion.