High alert issued in Japanese city because of a cat, know what is the whole matter

A metal plating plant in Fukuyama, western Japan faced a strange situation. A cat fell into a container of toxic chemicals, sparking a citywide search and raising concerns about public safety. This incident is reminiscent of a scene from the Joker’s origin story. Indeed, claw marks discovered by a worker led to a 3-meter-deep tank of hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing chemical that can cause rashes and swelling when touched or inhaled. The cat’s whereabouts are unknown after security footage captured it leaving the factory premises shortly after the incident.

Dangers of Chromium-6

Hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6, gained notoriety as essentially the antagonist in the 2020 biopic Erin Brockovich starring Julia Roberts, where it was portrayed as a cancer-causing chemical . According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to this substance can cause skin inflammation, respiratory problems, and other health problems. The US Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has warned that exposure to this chemical can also lead to fatal conditions such as lung cancer, nose and sinus cancer and nasal septum ulceration. Contact dermatitis, inflammation, ulcers and gastritis are some of the possible side effects.

While factory workers routinely wear protective gear when handling the chemical, the unexpected encounter with the cat has raised concerns about potential threats to public health. The company immediately alerted authorities and nearby residents, urging them to report sightings of the cat and avoid approaching it.