Hydrochloric Acid Spills on Ship in Port Newark

Authorities responded to a container ship in Port Newark Friday after a mixture of hydrochloric acid and ethanol alcohol spilled on the deck.

The Coast Guard says Newark hazardous materials crews worked to clean up the spill on the deck of the MSC Marta Friday afternoon.

None of the mixture got into the water, and no injuries were reported.

Hydrochloric acid is used to refine ore, clean metal products and manufacture fertilizers, among other things.

It is harmful to the skin and can be dangerous if inhaled.

Ethanol is a common compound found in everything from alcoholic drinks to thermometers and fuel.

--Brian Thompson contributed to this story

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