Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of residents and businesses affected by the hazardous chemical release at the MC Tank terminal on Progress Avenue in North Toledo, Ohio.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The release prompted evacuation and shelter-in-place orders, disrupted schools and businesses, and raised concerns about chemical exposure. Our firm is reviewing the circumstances of the incident and the losses suffered by people in the affected communities.
At 10:48 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, Toledo Fire & Rescue ordered an evacuation within a one-mile radius of the affected area on Progress Avenue. A broader shelter-in-place order followed early Wednesday morning. Officials instructed people in the shelter-in-place area to remain indoors, close windows and doors, turn off ventilation systems that bring in outside air, and keep pets inside. Temporary shelter was made available at Shoreland Elementary School.¹
MC Tank Transport identified the chemical involved as glycidyl methacrylate, also known as GMA, an industrial chemical used in plastics, paints, and coatings. MC Tank Transport was acquired by The Kenan Advantage Group in March 2025.²
According to 13 Action News, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reported that the release came from a 5,500-gallon tank and resulted from an error during a transfer of material. Reporting Wednesday morning described a continuing release as emergency personnel assessed the situation. Toledo Public Schools and Washington Local Schools canceled classes because of the incident.³
The chemical release also raised immediate health concerns. Officials described potential effects including burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin, along with headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting from overexposure. Residents reported eye and throat irritation.⁴
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies GMA as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” That classification identifies a cancer hazard; it does not establish the cancer risk associated with this particular incident. The risk from an exposure depends on factors including its type and extent.⁵
An evacuation or shelter-in-place order can impose substantial costs on families and businesses. Affected residents may face hotel, meal, and transportation expenses, missed work, medical expenses, and disruption to the use of their homes. Businesses may experience closures, interrupted operations, and lost income. Our investigation includes these potential losses and claims involving symptoms of chemical exposure.
If you were affected, retain receipts, medical records, evacuation notices, employer communications, and records of business interruptions or lost income. These materials can help document what happened and support an evaluation of potential claims. Continue to follow official emergency instructions and consult the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department for public-health updates.
Were you evacuated, ordered to shelter in place, or otherwise affected by the Toledo chemical release?
For a free, confidential consultation, contact Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC attorneys Justin C. Walker at (513) 651-3700, email [email protected], or submit a Case Evaluation request through our website. We can review your circumstances and discuss your rights and potential legal remedies.
¹https://toledo.oh.gov/news/2026/10/21/hazmat-evacuation-in-north-toledo; https://lucascountyhealth.com/public-health-advisory-glycidyl-methacrylate-gma-chemical-release-in-toledo/
²https://www.13abc.com/2026/10/21/live-blog-toledo-chemical-release-prompts-evacuations-shelter-place-orders/; https://www.mctank.com/
³https://www.13abc.com/2026/10/21/live-blog-toledo-chemical-release-prompts-evacuations-shelter-place-orders/; https://www.fox19.com/2026/10/21/watch-live-north-toledo-evacuation-order-due-hazardous-material-release-tps-wls-closed/
⁴https://apnews.com/article/c7ead0b5a1eb0e4672ce4085bdaf6124
⁵https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/QA_Monographs_Volume-125.pdf