EPA investigates methanol leak at Pfizer plant

THE EPA has moved to reassure residents near a pharmaceutical plant in Cork that they are not in any danger following the leaking of a potentially toxic and flammable chemical into the atmosphere.

Between 100 and 1,500 litres of methanol — a simple form of alcohol — went into the atmosphere from the Pfizer plant at Little Island in Cork at about 12.30am on Monday morning.

The incident is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The precise quantity of the emission has not been calculated yet.