Most released from hospital after carbon monoxide leak

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Most of those hospitalized after a carbon monoxide leak at Louisiana Pigment Tuesday evening have been released.

Four people have been released and two remain hospitalized, according to John Dixon, plant manager at Louisiana Pigment.

The six were transported for treatment after a leak during planned maintenance.

Louisiana Pigment Company is located in Westlake and has been producing Titanium Dioxide pigment since 1992.

According to the company, Titanium Dioxide is used in paint, both for automotive finishes and the exterior of buildings.  It can also be found in high quality paper, color plastics, glass, cosmetics, and food.   They say most appliances and plastic packaging contain large quantities of titanium dioxide.

The company says about 450 people are employed by the plant, whose annual payroll exceeds $32 million.  About 200 of those workers are in the United Steel Workers Union.  The plant runs 24-hours a day.

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