Chlorine gas leak repaired at Grand Canyon National Park; 3 trails reopen
NORTH RIM, Ariz. - Some trails in Grand Canyon National Park were closed because of a chlorine gas leak, according to a post on the park's Facebook page.
The leak occurred in the canyon's Roaring Springs area of the North Rim.
What we know:
The Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail were closed down on January 15. At 1:00 p.m. the following day, officials announced that all inner canyon corridor trails had reopened to the public.
"The chlorine gas leak has been stabilized, and crews remain on scene to complete the repairs."
Why you should care:
The CDC defines chlorine as a lung damaging agent and a toxic gas with corrosive properties.
It is often used in solvents, pesticides, synthetic rubber and refrigerants. At irritable levels to humans, it emits a smell that can be detected as a warning.
Exposure to chlorine can cause fatigue and other irritable effects.
Why is there chlorine in the inner canyon?
Chlorine at Roaring Springs is used as a disinfectant and added to control microbes. Cylinders of chlorine gas are routinely flown into Roaring Springs for this treatment process.