BATON ROUGE, La. — A chlorine leak that occurred at a Honeywell chemical plant here sent eight employees to the hospital and caused the state police to order surrounding residents to remain indoors.

According to local officials, the leak happened at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. Residents near the plant were told to stay inside with windows closed and air conditioners off.

Officials say the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) tested the air around the plant and did not find a hazardous level of chlorine. The leak is reported to have been stopped by 7:00 a.m.

The Honeywell plant is said to use the chlorine for the production of R-134a refrigerant.

An investigation into the cause of the leak is ongoing.

Publication date: 07/21/2003