MUMBAI: A malfunction in a spray paint-manufacturing unit near Hanuman Nagar Chawl, Sewri, released harmful chemicals in the area, causing giddiness and nausea in some residents. The factory is owned by White Star Chemicals Private Limited.

As many as 32 chawl residents, including 13 children, showed symptoms of poisoning like queasiness and vomiting. They were admitted to KEM Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

In the evening, hospital officials declared all of them out of danger. β€œBut we are keeping them under observation for another day,” said Dr Amol Deshmukh, senior chief medical officer.

Siblings Rajan, 7, and Brijesh, 6, were playing outside their house at Hanuman Nagar Chawl around 11:30am on Sunday when they suddenly felt giddy. The boys and their mother, Aarti Tiwari, were rushed to KEM Hospital, where they were diagnosed with chemical poisoning.

β€œI felt a bitter taste in my mouth,” said Aarti. β€œAnd when Rajan lost consciousness, I raised an alarm. To my horror, neighbours too said they were feeling sick.”

β€œThe symptoms have subsided and we have conducted blood tests on all the patients,” said Deshmukh. β€œThis was caused by the dispersion of powder comprising nitric acid, barium chloride, and aluminium sulphate in the air.”

β€œIt’s an unfortunate incident,” said Chaitanya Joshi, 36, owner of White Star Chemicals. β€œBut no hazardous chemical was emitted from the factory. We were packing the chemical powders when a container burst, letting out the powder.”

Police are investigating the matter.