They will tell us the facility is safe...
Here's more info about the deadly gases battery storage fires release into the air and would float to Mattson Middle School, our neighborhoods, rural homes, and the surrounding environment:
carbon monoxide (CO),
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas produced when fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal are burned. When inhaled it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and can reach dangerous levels indoors or outdoors.1 Common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache dizziness weakness upset stomach vomiting chest pain and confusion.0 If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you; people who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have
carbon dioxide (CO2),
Carbon dioxide (CO2) can be extremely dangerous for humans and the environment.0 High levels of CO2 indoors can reduce cognitive performance score by up to 20%. Above 5,000 parts per million (ppm), asphyxiation may take place as CO2 replaces oxygen in the blood.
volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) are toxic airborne particles that can pose multiple health hazards and need to be effectively filtered out to achieve optimal air quality. common pollutant at sites with chemical spills or mishandling has contaminated soils, and can leach into groundwater and migrate to drinking-water supply wells. To protect your health, it is best to limit your exposure to products and materials that contain VOCs. If you think you may be having health problems caused by VOCs, try reducing levels in your home.
hydrogen cyanide (HCN),
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is a colorless, flammable, and poisonous chemical compound with the formula H−C≡N. 0 HCN interferes with the body’s use of oxygen and may cause harm to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and lungs; exposure can be fatal
ammonia (NH3),
NH3 (ammonia) is a gas and sometimes called toxic or free ammonia. This type of ammonia is the dangerous part.
chlorine (Cl2),
Chlorine (Cl2) gas is a very toxic chemical element that can cause eye irritation, coughing, vomiting and other symptoms. It is easily distinguishable by its greenish-yellow color and a bleach-like odor. Chlorine was even weaponized during World War I and is estimated to have caused at at least 1100 deaths in its first usage due to reactions with other organic chemicals in the atmosphere leading to dangerous reactions.
hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a flammable and highly toxic substance that can be dangerous in both acute and chronic forms. One exposure to high levels of H2S can cause immediate death, while health problems might not show up until three days after the exposure. It is a chalcogen-hydride gas, and is poisonous, corrosive, and flammable, with trace amounts in ambient atmosphere having a characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs
https://fsri.org/.../Four_Firefighters_Injured_In_Lithium
More details about hydrogen cyanide which is one of the gases released where there is a battery energy storage system (BESS) fire:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750038.html
In short, the hydrogen Cyanide could kill Mattson Middle school children/staff and neighbors in minutes.
Hydrogen Cyanide (AC): Systemic Agent
CAS #: 74-90-8
RTECS #: MW6825000
UN #: 1051 (Guide 117)
Common Names:
Formonitrile
Hydrocyanic acid
Prussic acid
AGENT CHARACTERISTICS
APPEARANCE: Colorless or pale blue liquid below 78°F (25.6°C), colorless gas above 78°F (25.6°C).
DESCRIPTION: Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a systemic chemical asphyxiant. It interferes with the normal use of oxygen by nearly every organ of the body. Exposure to hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be rapidly fatal. It has whole-body (systemic) effects, particularly affecting those organ systems most sensitive to low oxygen levels: the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs). Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is a chemical warfare agent (military designation, AC). It is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesis, and the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, dyes, and pesticides. Hydrogen cyanide (AC) gas has a distinctive bitter almond odor (others describe a musty “old sneakers smell”), but a large proportion of people cannot detect it; the odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. It also has a bitter burning taste and is often used as a solution in water.
METHODS OF DISSEMINATION:
Indoor Air:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be released into indoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol) or as a gas. Water: Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be used to contaminate water.
Food:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be used to contaminate food.
Outdoor Air:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can be released into outdoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol) or as a gas.
Agricultural:
If hydrogen cyanide (AC) is released into the air as a liquid spray (aerosol), it has the potential to contaminate agricultural products. If hydrogen cyanide (AC) is released as a gas, it is highly unlikely to contaminate agricultural products.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can affect the body by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION:
First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the concentration of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection should be used until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the concentration of the contaminant. NOTE: Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills developed through training and experience.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) is unstable with heat, alkaline materials, and water. Hydrogen cyanide (AC) reacts with amines, oxidants, acids, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, caustic substances, and ammonia. Hydrogen cyanide (AC) may polymerize at 122°F to 140°F (50°C to 60°C); polymerization can occur violently in the presence of heat, alkaline materials, or moisture.
EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) gas mixes well with air, and explosive mixtures are easily formed. Confined polymerization can cause container failure and a violent explosion. Hydrogen cyanide (AC) can decompose explosively on contact with alkaline materials. Explosive potential is severe when hydrogen cyanide (AC) is exposed to heat or flame or to alkaline agents. Lower explosive (flammable) limit in air (LEL), 5.6%; upper explosive (flammable) limit in air (UEL), 40%. The agent or its vapors present a vapor explosion and poison (toxic) hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Run-off to sewers may create an explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
FIRE FIGHTING INFORMATION:
Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.
UN 1051, hydrogen cyanide (AC), >20% solution or anhydrous, is extremely flammable.
UN 1051 may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
UN 1614, hydrogen cyanide (AC), stabilized and UN 3294, hydrogen cyanide (AC) solution in alcohol, are highly flammable.
UN 1614 and UN 3294 will be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
Caution:
UN 1614 and UN 3294 have very low flash points.
Use of water spray when fighting fires may be inefficient.
UN 1613, hydrogen cyanide (AC), not more than 20% solution, is non-combustible.
UN 1613 itself does not burn, but it may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
UN 1613 may be an oxidant, and it may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapors of UN 1051, UN 1614, or UN 3294 may travel to the source of ignition and flash back.
Run-off of UN 1051, UN 1614, or UN 3294 may create a fire hazard. Do not extinguish a leaking gas fire of UN 1051 unless the leak can be stopped.
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Regular foam may also be used on small fires involving UN 1051. Alcohol-resistant foam may also be used on small fires involving UN 1614 or UN 3294. For large fires involving UN 1051, use water spray, fog, or regular foam.
For UN 1614 or UN 3294, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam.
For UN 1613, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray.
Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel.
Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the agent. Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
Damaged cylinders of UN 1051 should be handled only by specialists.
For fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
Do not get water inside containers of UN 1613.
Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out.
Do not direct water at the source of the leak of UN 1051 or at safety devices; icing may occur.
Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks.
Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
For massive fire involving UN 1614 or UN 3294, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn.
Run-off from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic, and it may cause pollution. If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).
INITIAL ISOLATION AND PROTECTIVE ACTION DISTANCES:
If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in a fire, isolate it for 1 mi (1600 m) in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 1 mi (1600 m) in all directions.
Small spills (when used as a weapon): First isolate in all directions: 200 ft (60 m). Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.1 mi (0.2 km). Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.3 mi (0.5 km).
Large spills (when used as a weapon): First isolate in all directions: 1500 ft (500 m). Then protect persons downwind during the day: 1.0 mi (1.7 km). Then protect persons downwind during the night: 2.4 mi (3.9 km).
Small spills: First isolate in all directions: 100 ft (30 m). Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.1 mi (0.1 km). Then protect persons downwind during the night: 0.3 mi (0.4 km).
Large spills: First isolate in all directions: 500 ft (150 m). Then protect persons downwind during the day: 0.8 mi (1.3 km). Then protect persons downwind during the night: 2.3 mi (3.7 km).
PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas.
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) gas mixes well with air; explosive mixtures are easily formed.