https://x.com/nbcwashington/status/2058168995040157977
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is the momomer that polymerizes into plexiglass. The process of polymerization releases heat, which in turn accelerates polymerization. This is normally prevented in bulk storage by the addition of inhibitors. Corrosion and contamination can affect this.
Someone fucked up here. The runaway reaction has started and the only thing they can do now is to try to control the pace by removing heat.
The vapor being released is likely MMA, toxic, flammable, and heavier than air.
Not a good situation overall
Isn’t it better than the alternative for it to be heavier than air since it won’t spread as far
the problem is it can collect in deadly concentrations in low lying areas instead of dissipating
People are mostly pretty close to ground level.
I imagine that would also make it far more lethal in the areas it does spread to
Look at the Bhopal Union Carbide incident
Pets and children were affected more due to the gas pooling