New Delhi: A leak of a chemical, identified as liquid sodium iodide, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) early Friday created panic after two cargo loaders complained of skin "irritation" but authorities denied the substance, used to treat thyroid disorders, was radioactive.

Operations were temporarily halted at the Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Private Limited - one of the two cargo terminals at IGI. Work at the other - the Delhi Cargo Service Centre Private Limited - continued. Two airport loaders - identified as Randhir and Ramakant - who were handling the cargo reportedly suffered skin irritation and informed authorities.