Toledo chemical release prompts evacuation and shelter orders

A hazardous-materials release in northern Toledo prompted evacuation orders within one mile and shelter-in-place instructions within three miles late Tuesday, October 20, as emergency crews responded amid reports of haze and reduced visibility. Toledo Fire Rescue Department issued the orders at about 10:48 p.m. local time. Residents inside the one-mile zone were told to leave, while those outside it but within three miles were directed to remain indoors. Officials advised people sheltering in place to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation that draws in outside air. The substance was not identified in the latest official information described in early Wednesday reports. MC Tank Transport later identified it as glycidyl methacrylate, according to a report published Wednesday morning. The company’s identification was not accompanied in the reports by independent chemical analysis or air-monitoring results. Toledo Fire Rescue Department said early Wednesday that the release was ongoing and crews were monitoring it. Reports described dense fog or haze and reduced visibility in the area. Officials cautioned residents not to judge air safety by appearance or smell and...