"Dow Plant Emergency in Plaquemine Triggers Shelter-in-Place for Residents"

A fire and multiple explosions occurred at the Dow Chemical complex in Plaquemine, prompting a shelter-in-place order for about 350 households and the closure of La. 1. The incident took place in Dow's Glycol 2 Unit, which handles the highly carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide. No chemical leak has been detected so far, and all individuals have been accounted for. Air monitoring is being conducted by Dow officials and third-party contractors to ensure there is no offsite impact. State and local authorities are also conducting their own air monitoring. This incident comes a year after a chlorine leak at Dow's neighbor, Olin Chemical, which raised concerns about the efficacy of Dow's air monitors.