Chemical released in canals is cyanide

THE Environmental Agency has informed that the main chemical released into the Walsall Canal has tested for the deadly sodium cyanide.

There are also other chemicals that were released but the cyanide is the most dangerous.

Exposure to sodium cyanide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate, loss of consciousness and can be fatal in high enough concentrations.

Direct into canal

The Environment Agency told the spillage went directly into the Walsall Canal at Pleck on Monday. with the incident involving police, fire service and Severn Trent Water.

Walsall Council tells there is potentially a serious risk to health if people or their pets are exposed to the chemical by touching the water.

Any boater who has had contact with the water in any of the canals that have been listed has been told to contact the emergency service without delay.