BREAKING NEWS Thousands ordered to shelter in place as chemical leak spreads across Texas
Sirens began blaring at 9am local at the Dow Chemical facility in Freeport after chlorine gas spewed from the factory.
Lake Jackson Police Department has been advised of the active level 3 chlorine release, meaning gas has moved outside the confines of the city.
Breathing in chlorine gas, even in small amounts, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and potentially lead to more serious respiratory problems.
Higher concentrations of chlorine gas can cause lung injury, including pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and can be fatal.
Freeport, a city in Brazoria County, is home to more than 10,500 people.
Resident Michael Kelly told local Click2Houston:'It is just part of being here -- explosions, gas releases.
'The chemical plants take precaution for this, it is an undesirable situation but it does happen.'
This is a developing story... More updates to come
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