In an aluminum plant in Western Factory , a reservoir containing red metal rich run off burst, flooding seven surrounding towns. At least four people were killed, several missing, and more than 120 are injured. People have reported burning and itching eyes. In a statement on its website, MAL Magyar Aluminum said that the sludge contains iron oxide, aluminum, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and titanium dioxide. According to The New York Times, "residents in Kolontar, not far from where the accident occurred, people tried to rush from their homes as a 6-foot-high wave of sludge pushed its way through narrow streets and homes." Major waterways, including the Danube are at risk from this toxic sludge. Millions have already been spent on trying to contain and remove this hazard. However it is estimated that clean up will take up to 18 months. Further will probably require an application for financial or technical support from the EU. Injured people have reported burning and itching eyes.
In a statement on its website, MAL Magyar Aluminum said that the sludge contains iron oxide, aluminum, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and titanium dioxide.
More Information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGfX6Eo5lsI
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/10/05/130351938/red-sludge-from-hungarian-aluminum-plant-spill-an-ecological-disaster
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11475361
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