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Potentially Hazardous Cat, Fukuyama Residents Warned Not to Touch Cats on the Streets

The environmental team in the city of Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan, issued a warning that residents are prohibited from approaching or touching cats roaming around on Tuesday, March 12th. This was caused by the discovery of tawny cat footprints at the Nomura Plating Fukuyama Factory, Japan.

 

Nomura Plating, via The New York Times

The cat footprints were found by one of the factory employees away from the container of hexavalent chromium, a highly potent and toxic carcinogenic material.

"We immediately notified the police, Fukuyama city residents, and residents around our factory," said a Nomura Plating Fukuyama Factory representative.

Traced from CCTV, a cat was seen running away from the factory. It is suspected that the cat touched the toxic material which was stored in a 3-meter-deep container barrel. There is no recording of how the cat came in contact with the chemicals. According to the BBC, the factory owner said the tank was covered with a sheet. However, the sheet was revealed when they found the cat's footprints.

According to local media Asahi Shimbun, touching the chemical can cause skin inflammation, and inhaling it can cause respiratory problems. Experts doubt whether the cat will survive long after coming into contact with the chemical substance.

"Even if fur can protect the skin from severe burns, cats clean their fur by licking it, then transfer the corrosive solution into the mouth," Linda Schenk, a researcher specializing in chemical risk assessment at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, told CNN.

Until now, the cat's whereabouts are unknown and the search is still ongoing. But officials, experts, and citizens speculate that unfortunately the cat is already dead or will die soon due to contact with toxic and dangerous chemicals.

Several residents regretted this incident because they may have lost a cat's life. However, this incident made the factory introspect to maintain safety from the entry of small animals such as cats.




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