The slippery liquid that spilled into the road causing traffic mayhem on Monday was not a health hazard, according to Civil Protection Department head John Rizzo.

He said initial information showed it was a diluted type of acid.

“It was more of a safety hazard because of its slippery nature rather than a health hazard,” he said.

The CPD is still drawing up an incident report and the police are investigating the spillage emanating from BIM Ltd, a galvanising firm.

A chemical expert, who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity, said that, judging by the description given by the police, the likelihood was that the liquid could have been a diluted form of caustic soda.

The chemical is used in one stage of the galvanising process and is actually an alkali not an acid. It has various industrial uses including the manufacture of soap and detergents.

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