Rescuers and Chinese military chemical experts are testing soil, air and water samples at the site of the Tianjin port explosion after authorities revealed that over a hundred tons of sodium cyanide had been discovered at the scene. Tianjin officials announced on Monday that the toxic chemical would be cleared from the site of the blast by midday.

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There are concerns that rains could spread chemicals (including sodium cyanide and calcium carbide) and contaminate the air and groundwater in the area surrounding the port. Meteorologists have noted that scattered thunderstorms are expected in the city on Monday. There is also a 60 percent chance of rainfall.

On Sunday, Shi Luze, the chief of staff for the Beijing Military Area Command, announced that several containers of sodium cyanide had been found at the site of the blast. However, he noted that only a small portion of the toxic chemical had actually spilled.

According to Shi, sodium hydroxide was used to neutralize the cyanide which had spilled. Nonetheless, he said there are plans to build a wall around the contaminated area to prevent the flow of water.

Authorities have since revised the death toll from the deadly blast to 114. About 70 people are still missing - a majority of them are firefighters. Premier Li Keqiang, who visited the scene of the disaster on Sunday, paid respect to the firefighters working at the blast site. He described them as "heroes" and urged them to be cautious in dangerous situations.

Premier Li also observed a minute of silence for victims of the explosions on Aug. 12 and paid a visit to some of the injured people receiving medical care. He directed local authorities to release updates on safety and recovery efforts in a timely manner to avoid rumors and speculations.

Greenpeace has called on Chinese authorities to conduct a "comprehensive survey" of the Tianjin blast site and inform the public of all the dangerous chemicals present in the air, water and soil. Authorities have, however, assured residents that they are not at risk of contamination provided they maintain a safe distance from the blast site.

Tagstianjin port explosion, Sodium Cyanide Tianjin Blast, Air Water Soil Contaimination Tianjin Explosion