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First, we want to take a moment to recognize the brave men and women of Toledo Fire & Rescue, the Toledo Police Department, and all the other first responders working to protect our community during this dangerous situation.
Having represented many first responders and other workers who have suffered injuries and illnesses from exposure to dangerous chemicals, we understand the risks these individuals are taking.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and everyone affected by this emergency. Thank you for putting yourselves in harm's way to keep the rest of us safe!
What Happened?
Late Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026, a serious chemical release began at the MC Tank Transport facility on Progress Avenue in North Toledo.
The chemical involved is called glycidyl methacrylate, a substance used in making plastics, resins, paints, and other coatings.
The release has created a potentially dangerous situation for people living and working nearby.
As of this posting, authorities have issued:
- A one-mile evacuation order: If you are within one mile of the affected facility, you need to leave the area and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
- A shelter-in-place order extending up to three miles: If you are in this area, stay indoors, close your windows and doors, and turn off heating or air-conditioning systems that bring outside air into your home or workplace.
Please follow the latest instructions from Toledo Fire & Rescue and local emergency officials. These orders may change as the situation develops.
What Are the Possible Health Risks?
One of the concerns with this chemical is that dangerous vapors may not be easily visible. You should not assume the air is safe simply because you cannot see or smell anything unusual. It is usually perceived as a very sweet smell, but your nose isn't proper monitoring equipment, so listen to the authorities.
Exposure to glycidyl methacrylate can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Burning or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Headaches or dizziness
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
If you believe you have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention. Serious breathing problems or other severe symptoms require immediate emergency assistance.
But what happens if you were exposed while doing your job?
Your Rights if You Were Exposed at Work
Whether you are a firefighter, police officer, truck driver, factory employee, or anyone else who was working in the affected area, you may have rights under Ohio's workers' compensation system if you suffer an injury or illness because of the exposure.
Here are five important steps you should take:
1. Report the Exposure to Your Employer
Tell your supervisor or employer that you were exposed to the chemical while working.
Whenever possible, report it in writing and keep a copy for your records. Include when and where the exposure happened, what you were doing, and any symptoms you experienced.
2. Get Medical Attention
If you are experiencing symptoms, have a medical professional examine you as soon as it is safe to do so. An emergency room may be appropriate, depending on your symptoms.
Tell the medical provider that you believe you were exposed to glycidyl methacrylate while working.
This is important! Your medical records should reflect not only your symptoms but also the circumstances of your possible workplace exposure.
3. Ask the Doctor to Document the Connection to Your Work
This is something we cannot stress enough, so we are doing it twice.
Ask the treating physician to document your symptoms, provide a diagnosis when medically supported, and record that you were exposed to the chemical while performing your job.
If the doctor believes your medical condition was caused by your workplace exposure, ask that this opinion be included in your medical records.
You should also ask the medical provider to complete an Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury, commonly called a FROI-1 and get a copy of it for yourself.
Getting this information documented early can make a tremendous difference if you need workers' compensation benefits later.
4. Follow Your Doctor's Instructions
If your doctor recommends additional testing, treatment, or follow-up appointments, follow those instructions.
Some medical problems may not become apparent immediately after an exposure. Keep track of any symptoms that develop or worsen and report them to your doctor.
5. File a Workers' Compensation Claim
If you suffered an injury or illness because of exposure while working, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
For most new Ohio workplace injury claims, you have one year from the date of injury to file your claim. Occupational disease claims have different rules for determining when that one-year period begins.
Do not wait until the deadline approaches.
Whether your employer participates in the state workers’ compensation fund or is what is known as self-insured, you still want to get that on file with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as you will need one of their claim numbers eventually.
We Are Here to Help
Our office is located outside the affected area, and we are closely following this developing situation.
We will share additional information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, if you were exposed to these chemicals while working and have questions about your legal rights, please feel free to contact us.
Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC
Phone: 419-244-7885
Website: www.kmylaw.com
For nearly 33 years, attorney Kurt M. Young has represented Ohio's injured workers and their families. He has handled approximately 19,000 administrative hearings and is an Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Specialist in Ohio Workers' Compensation Law.
We have spent more than three decades fighting for Ohio's working families, and we are here to help you understand your rights.
You can also find helpful videos explaining Ohio workers' compensation benefits and procedures on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@LawOfficesofKurtM.YoungLLC
Please stay safe, follow the instructions of emergency officials, and join us in thanking the first responders protecting our community.
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