Hazmat Leak in California Triggers Evacuation

Authorities later lifted an evacuation order to clear a six-mile radius of a chemical plant in California's San Joaquin Valley after a hazardous materials spill Wednesday morning.

Emergency responders applied a neutralizing absorbent to an estimated 250 gallons of liquid acrolein that leaked from a tank at Taft Manufacturing in Taft, California. The chemical is used in the processing of polyester resin and polyurethane.

All personnel at the factory were safely evacuated, the Kern County Fire Department Facebook page reports. At least 70 people were removed from the recommended evacuation zone.

"Kern County Public Health advises that if you are experiencing any eye irritation, difficulty breathing or throat irritation immediately leave the area and seek medical attention," the Facebook site states.

People between 6 and 9 miles of the factory were asked to stay inside, close their door and windows and turn off central air systems.

Members of the Kern County hazardous material team have entered the factory during the emergency to identify the source of the chemical leak and stop it.