South Korea on Monday has confirmed that the recent toxic chemical leak in Gumi City is a special disaster zone.<br /><br />[Yook Dong-han, Prime Minister's Office, Vice Minister]: <br />"I declare the chemical leak area in Gumi city is designated as a special disaster zone as of today.”<br /><br />Yonhap news agency reports that on September 27 around eight tons of hydrofluoric acid leaked from the factory of chemical maker Hube Globe.<br /><br />Hydrofluoric acid is an acute poison that can damage lungs and bones, and affect the nervous system.<br /><br />The leak was caused by an explosion that killed 5 people and injured 18 others.<br /><br />More than 3,000 residents have been treated for nausea, chest pain, rashes, sore eyes or sore throats. <br /><br />Hundreds more have been evacuated.<br /><br />Agriculture has also been affected.<br /><br />More than 3000 livestock animals are showing symptoms of illness. <br /><br />Also, crops and fruit on more than 212 hectares of farmlands and orchards have withered.
