On the morning of Wednesday, June 12, 2025, residents in Vinton County, Ohio, were forced to evacuate following a hazardous chemical leak at the Austin Powder Plant, an explosives manufacturing facility located in McArthur. Around 8:30 am, a 5,000-gallon tank containing nitric acid was contaminated by an unknown substance, triggering a chemical reaction that released an estimated 3,000 gallons of nitric oxide gas into the atmosphere. A dense orange-yellow plume was seen rising from the site, prompting immediate concern and an evacuation order within a three-mile radius, including the nearby village of Zaleski.
Emergency crews, including the Ohio EPA, local hazmat teams, and several state agencies, responded quickly. Though no injuries have been reported as of Thursday morning, June 12, and evacuation orders were lifted by 4:30 pm, residents are urged to monitor for symptoms of exposure. The plant continues to conduct environmental testing to assess the situation.
If you or your family live near the Austin Powder Plant and believe you may have been exposed to nitric oxide or experienced symptoms related to the chemical release, call Singleton Schreiber for legal help.
The Dangers Associated with Explosives Manufacturing and Nitric Oxide Exposure
Chemical plants, especially those that manufacture explosives, carry significant inherent risks. The combination of volatile substances and large-scale industrial operations can result in catastrophic outcomes if safety protocols are not strictly followed. In this case, an “unknown contaminant” entered a tank of nitric acid, releasing a cloud of nitric oxide into the air. While the leak has reportedly stopped, the effects of acute chemical exposure may take time to surface and can vary in severity.
Nitric oxide is a toxic gas that poses serious health risks, particularly when inhaled in high concentrations. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, while repeated or prolonged exposure may cause permanent lung damage.
Symptoms you may experience if you’ve been exposed to nitric oxide include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Unconsciousness
- Permanent lung damage with repeated exposure
If you suspect exposure, health officials advise washing your skin thoroughly, irrigating your eyes with clean water, and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms develop or persist.
“Industrial facilities that handle hazardous chemicals must implement stringent safety measures to protect the surrounding communities,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “When something goes wrong, like it did in Vinton County, the consequences can be dangerous and far-reaching.
“Singleton Schreiber has extensive experience holding negligent companies accountable in complex environmental and chemical exposure cases. If you believe you have been affected by this incident, contact us today for help building a strong claim.”
Legal Options for Those Affected by the Vinton County Chemical Release
If you or your loved ones have experienced health problems, property contamination, or other adverse effects following the nitric oxide release at the Austin Powder Plant, you may be entitled to compensation. Those living near the facility have a right to expect that chemical manufacturers operate safely and responsibly. When they fail to do so, legal action may be necessary.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The Austin Powder Company, for any negligence in handling hazardous materials or maintaining its equipment
- Third-party contractors or suppliers, if the unknown contaminant came from an outside source
- Any companies involved in plant maintenance, if faulty repairs or oversight contributed to the incident
Compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses (both immediate and long-term treatment)
- Pain and suffering due to chemical exposure
- Costs of relocation or evacuation
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
If you’ve been affected by this incident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or problems to accumulate. Contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation and learn more about your options.