BCDMH Leakage in Sichuan

A chemical accident happened in a pharmaceutical factory located in the western suburbs of Qionglai of Sichuan province in the southwest of China. 750 kg of BCDMH stored in a small warehouse had violent chemical reactions. Fume of chlorine-containing toxic gas with extremely high concentration spread to the outside of the factory battery limit. The local government made an emergency evacuation of nearly 1 000 residents living along the western suburb road and employees in several units. No casualties were reported.    According to a technician from the pharmaceutical factory, 30 bags of BCDMH with 25kg each bag stored in a warehouse had chemical reactions. BCDMH has a molecular formula of C5H6O2N2Br-Cl and can have violent reactions in contact with water to generate chlorine. It is mostly used as water treatment agent, antiseptic fungicide and fruit anti-staling agent to kill fungi, bacteria, viruses and algae.