What you need to know

People are urged to take precautionary measures and to clean parts of the sewer network after a Leakage of toxic chemicals in Walsall.

The substance that was confirmed to have leaked was sodium cyanide, which can cause cramps and vomiting. Major disaster situation was declared on Tuesday.

Anochrome Ltd, a specialist in surface coatings and sealants, said it was unfortunate that a “chemical spill” had resulted in chemicals being released into the Walsall Waterway in the early hours of Monday morning.

The public has been advised to avoid a 12-mile stretch of water and towpath in the West Midlands.

The affected area stretches from the centre of the borough to Birmingham and also includes connected waterways in Wednesbury, Tipton and West Bromwich.

People have been warned to avoid an extended area of ​​the canal and towpaths between the Walsall lock staircase and the lock staircases at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.

Anochrome Ltd, a metal finishing company, said it could confirm that a “chemical incident” occurred at its Walsall site in the early hours of Monday morning.

“Unfortunately, some of the chemicals released entered a canal in Walsall,” it said.

The company said it had immediately notified the Environment Agency (EA) and Severn Trent Water and made all its facilities, including laboratory testing areas, available to the authorities.

“The safety of our community and the environment is our top priority. We are focused on limiting the impact of this incident and will provide further updates as they become available,” it said.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, Marc Lidderth of the EA said Anochrome Ltd, which describes itself on its website as an “environmentally conscious organisation”, is regulated by the EA.

He said it was believed that sodium hydroxide and “possibly zinc” had also entered the canal and called the incident “unacceptable.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it was monitoring the situation.

The ministers would be kept regularly informed, it said.

The chemical sodium cyanide is a white, crystalline solid with a faint almond odor.

It is used in industry for metal cleaning, coating and extraction.

When cyanide salts are ingested, cyanide is released into the body. Absorption through the skin is also possible.

If taken on a full stomach, symptoms may occur two to four hours later.

Contact with cyanide can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, seizures, vomiting and low blood pressure.

In the most serious cases, heart and respiratory problems or even death can occur.

(Source: British Health Security Agency)

Sodium cyanide is a toxic compound.

The chemical dissolves in water and could have serious health effects if people or pets come into direct contact with it, Walsall City Council said.

If inhaled or ingested in high concentrations, it can quickly lead to death because it impairs the body's ability to process oxygen.

There is a potentially serious health risk if people or their pets come into contact with water in the affected Section of the canalsaid a spokesman for the local authority.

If the chemical comes into contact with the eyes, it may cause watering, pain, redness, swelling and sensitivity to light.

Both sodium and potassium cyanide can react with acid, acidic salts and nitrates, the UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) said.

The UKHSA advises anyone with health concerns about exposure to sodium cyanide to seek medical attention.

Children exposed to the chemical are likely to experience symptoms similar to those experienced by adults exposed to the chemical.

People who have had direct physical contact with the water and feel unwell are advised to call 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Multiple agencies including West Midlands Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Canal and River Trust, Severn Trent Water, UKHSA, Walsall and Sandwell Borough Councils and the Environment Agency are responding to the incident.

Nadia Inglis, Walsall Council's interim director of public health, previously said: “Our main aim has been to keep the public safe and protect their health and wellbeing.”

“Given the nature of the substance, we are proceeding with caution to protect our community until we know it is safe to reopen the towpaths.”

The Canal and River Trust said people living in boats on the canal in the affected area had been informed about the oil spill.

In a previous statementWalsall City Council urged those who caught fish from the canal not to eat it.

The drinking water was not affected by the incident, it said.

Council leader Gary Perry said on Tuesday it was too early to speculate how the substance got into the waterway, but promised regular updates.

“Our priority is the safety of our residents. I share their concerns and hope that this incident will be resolved as soon as possible,” he added.

“For your own safety, please avoid this section of the canal and its towpaths.”

After the oil spill, numerous dead fish were spotted in the canal.

Dr Delia Garratt, chief executive of the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, said they were “extremely concerned” and the oil spill would have a “devastating impact” on wildlife.

“Environmental watchdogs must be empowered and adequately resourced to ensure they can monitor and control polluters and punish those who violate the law,” she said.

“We hope that whoever is responsible for this damaging and dangerous oil spill in Walsall's canals will face the full force of the law in due course.”