Chemical leak forces closure of busy road

PASADENA, TX Harris County HazMat teams were called to the scene of a polypropylene leak at 8300 Red Bluff Friday afternoon. According to Vance Mitchell with the Pasadena Police Department, the situation was brought under control without any injuries.

However, Mitchell also says there is a large amount of the chemical remaining in the line that will need to be flared off. As a precaution, Red Bluff will be completely shut down from Genoa Red Bluff to Underwood. The nearly two mile stretch of road is expected to be closed anywhere from about 12 hours to two days.

Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer, made by the chemical industry and used in a wide variety of applications, including packaging, textiles (e.g. ropes, thermal underwear and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components and polymer banknotes.

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