Longview Paper Mill Explosion

May 26, 2026 at 2:15pm; updated May 28 at 2pm

This morning’s explosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company facility in Longview involved chemicals commonly used in pulp and paper manufacturing. Emergency responders and hazardous materials teams are actively managing the scene. There is no immediate threat to the surrounding community, but residents should continue avoiding the area while response efforts continue. Follow all advice from local fire departments or public health officials.

Health concerns

People who were not present at the scene of the explosion are not expected to become ill from the suspected chemicals involved. However, residents living close to the mill may be exposed to low levels of smoke or irritating gases. They may experience:

  • Itchy or burning eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Headache

People with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to exposure.

Call us immediately (1-800-222-1222) if you experience:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing
  • Confusion

Call 911 if someone isn’t breathing or cannot be woken up.

Stay Safe

Avoid the immediate response area. Limit your exposure by staying indoors, closing windows, and turning off HVAC systems (which pull in air from outside). Follow all advice from local fire departments or public health officials. If your eyes become irritated, remove contact lenses and rinse your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

We are available 24/7 for exposure questions related to this incident. Call 1-800-222-1222 for:

  • Symptom assessment
  • Home exposure guidance
  • Chemical exposure first aid
  • Recommendations about when to seek emergency care

All calls are free and confidential.

Additional Information

Drinking water

There is no current concern about impacts to the drinking water of communities who use the Columbia River as a source. Water treatment and filtration systems are expected to effectively manage the suspected chemicals involved in this incident.

Suspected chemicals involved

Paper and pulp mills that use the kraft method typically use a mixture of strong industrial chemicals to break down wood chips into pulp for paper-making. The tank that imploded at the mill is understood to have contained “white liquor,” which is a mixture of sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide (also called lye or caustic soda). Both chemicals are highly caustic, meaning they can burn skin, eyes, mouth, throat, or lungs if they are touched, swallowed, or inhaled.

After being cooked in the white liquor, the wood pulp mixture is then filtered out and bleached, usually with chlorine-based chemicals. These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. At high concentrations, they can cause chemical burns.

The liquid that remains after the pulp is removed is called “black liquor.” Under certain conditions such as exposure to heat or acids, it can release hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs and is very toxic. At very low concentrations, this gas can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. At higher concentrations, it can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and death.