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.

Although the chemical composition of the substance is still unknown, Mr Rizzo said initial information reaching his department 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 yesterday.

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 likeliness 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.

When this newspaper called the company offices, a receptionist said none of the bosses were available for comment and asked for questions to be sent by e-mail. No replies were received by the time of going to print.

Aldo Moro Road had to be closed off for two hours while CPD personnel siphoned off the liquid and washed the area with water.

The incident happened during the rush hour and caused massive road congestions.

Mr Rizzo said nothing stopped the CPD from seeking compensation from the company for the cleaning process.

“We have occasionally recouped expenses for incidents involving oil spillages on roads when the source is known. But it always depends on the nature of the case at hand,” he explained, adding it was up to the police to determine whether the incident was a case of negligence or an accident.

The police yesterday afternoon gave notice of a second suspected leak in the area but this turned out to be a false alarm after people mistook rusty water on the road for the slippery chemical.