A chemical leak at a Phillips 66 refinery in northern New Jersey is contained, state environmental officials say.
Environmental Protection spokesman Larry Hajna says the leak at the Infineum plant was stopped and hazardous material teams were continuing to monitor air quality.
Linden Police Capt. James Sarnicki says officers responded to a report of a chemical cloud around 8:30 a.m. Monday.
Officials says about 500 employees at the Bayway Industrial Complex sheltered in place because there was a release of a 15 percent solution of ethyl aluminum dichloride.
The state health department says the highly flammable and reactive chemical can irritate the nose, eyes and skin. It can also cause rash and burns. The chemical did not catch fire or combust in Monday's leak.
The chemical is used to make motor oil additives for Shell and Exxon.
Hajna says no one was injured.
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It wasn't clear what caused the leak.
--Jen Maxfield contributed to this story
