Toxic Spill on Space Station

from MyWay News

International space station astronauts pulled an alarm and donned protective gear after smelling a foul odor that turned out to be a harmful chemical leaking from an oxygen vent. NASA reported that they were unaware of the exact nature of the spill but were sure that it is not of a life-threatening nature.

The crew first reported smoke but it turned out to be an irritant, potassium hydroxide, leaking from an oxygen vent. The crew donned surgical gloves and masks but did not have to put on gas or oxygen masks. NASA declared a spacecraft emergency for only the second time in the eight-year history of the station. The first time was for a false alarm of an ammonia spill.

The potassium hydroxide, a corrosive that can cause serious burns and can be harmful if inhaled, was cleaned up with towels and wrapped up in two rubber bags.