I grew up in WV. My parents are still there. Montani Semper Liberi I wanted to provide some information about the chemical that was spilled, which is being rep

I grew up in WV. My parents are still there. Montani Semper Liberi I wanted to provide some information about the chemical that was spilled, which is being reported to be 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol. You may see it referred to in its shortened form as MCHM. This chemical is used in a purification process called froth flotation. [1] In the case of WV, it is used in coal purification. OSHA guidelines list this chemical as hazardous. It is harmful if swallowed, and causes skin and eye irritation. At elevated temperatures, vapor may cause irritation of eyes and respiratory tract. [2] If you are familiar with the so-called fire diamond or NFPA 704 [3][4], this chemical is listed as: Instability/Reactivity (Yellow) 0: Materials which in themselves are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and which are not reactive with water. Flammability (Red) 1: Materials that must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Health (Blue) 2: Materials which on intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical treatment is given. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Froth_flotation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Froth_flotation [2] http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wvpn/files/201401/MSDS-MCHM_I140109214955.pdf http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wvpn/files/201401/MSD... [3] https://www.google.com/search?q=nfpa+704+fire+diamond&tbm=isch https://www.google.com/search?q=nfpa+704+fire+diamond&tbm=is... [4] http://www.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/User/dnscms/pdf/broc/hazmat12.pdf http://www.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/User/dnscms/pdf/broc/h...