A significant security operation unfolded at City Concorde shopping centre in Bertrange on Monday evening after a strong chemical odour prompted evacuations.
Police and Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) personnel conducted substance analysis following the incident.
Health officials identified the compound as isocyanate, a chemical that becomes highly volatile in elevated temperatures.
“This product can become extremely volatile when the temperature rises, and so it’s probably linked to the current heatwave – such conditions can facilitate chemical intoxication through airborne exposure”, explained Dr Anne Vergison, head of the Health Inspection Division.
While authorities confirmed the substance posed no lasting danger, two individuals were hospitalised for check-ups. Dr Vergison emphasised this incident underscores broader chemical safety concerns during extreme heat.
“I think this is an opportunity to remind everyone that many chemical products are dangerous, sometimes they are flammable at not very high temperatures, or temperatures that become very high”, she cautioned, urging proper storage protocols for hazardous materials, especially during heatwaves.
