EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Officials say aluminum, magnesium, and zinc are metals that could’ve burned in the Newburgh chemical fire and been released into the air.

A local chemist says this biggest threat to our area quality is because the ash from the chemical fire is being released so close to the ground.

USI Chemistry Professor Mark Krahling says these three metals produce very high PH levels.

That makes them severe caustic chemicals that can burn your skin.

Krahling says if you touch the ash, even the moisture and oil in your skin would make the chemical reactive and cause burns.

Professor Krahling says as the ash is released into the air, the oxygen in the atmosphere makes the chemical more harmful, which is why he believes the shelter in place was ordered.

He says particles in

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