On Friday, employees at the Lempäälä freight terminal heard an unusual hissing sound coming from Terminal Road. Upon investigation, the sound was traced to a cardboard box that was marked as containing hazardous material. The Pirkanmaa rescue services arrived to examine the source of the hissing and determined that it was a medical nitrous oxide canister that had started to leak within the box. According to the duty fire chief, the five-liter gas cylinder had been used previously and its valve had opened, possibly due to fluctuations in pressure and temperature.

Despite the box being labeled as containing dangerous substances, nitrous oxide in small concentrations is actually harmless. It is a colorless, non-toxic gas with a slightly sweet odor, used in healthcare as well as in industrial applications and laboratories. Additionally, nitrous oxide is sometimes used recreationally, but it can cause serious metabolic and neurological disturbances when abused. Ultimately, the rescue services’ task turned out to be quite simple – they closed the valve and secured the area.

This incident highlights the importance of proper labeling and handling of materials, especially those classified as hazardous. While the immediate situation was resolved without incident, it raises awareness about the potential dangers associated with improperly stored substances, even those that are commonly perceived as safe when used correctly. The rescue services' quick response effectively prevented any potential harm that could have arisen from the leaking gas.