From: "Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety" <secretary**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines from Google (12 articles)
Date: December 5, 2012 7:26:10 AM EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <37A22CE3-D711-426A-BD69-C3CB14119E50**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>

Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 7:25:57 AM

A service of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Connecting Chemistry and Safety at http://www.dchas.org
All article summaries and tags are archived at http://pinboard.in/u:dchas

Table of Contents (12 articles)

SCIENCE LAB MISHAP SICKENS 17 PEOPLE AT HUDSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Tags: us_NY, laboratory, release, injury, other_chemical

CALTECH ACID SPILL RESULTS IN HOSPITAL VISIT FOR LAB EMPLOYEE
Tags: us_CA, laboratory, release, injury, hydrochloric_acid

UPDATE: ROADS REOPENED AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL
Tags: us_IN, transportation, release, response, sodium_hydroxide

SEMINOLE HIGH SCHOOL LOCKED DOWN IN CHEMISTRY LAB INCIDENT
Tags: us_FL, laboratory, discovery, response, mercury

POLICE: METHAMPHETAMINE INGREDIENTS FOUND IN LIDO KEY CONDO THAT CAUGHT FIRE
Tags: us_FL, public, fire, injury, meth_lab

WATER TREATMENT WORKER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL IN HAZMAT INCIDENT
Tags: us_UT, industrial, release, injury, water_treatment

EUCALYPTUS OIL CAUSES HAZMAT SCARE AT SJ SPORTS CLUB
Tags: us_CA, public, release, injury, other_chemical

FINCH ELEMENTARY EVACUATED DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK
Tags: us_GA, education, release, response, carbon_monoxide

HAZMAT TEAM INVESTIGATING PARKSIDE RESORT AFTER NOXIOUS CHEMICALS DETECTED IN POOL AREA
Tags: Canada, public, release, injury, pool_chemicals

CHEMICAL FIRE INVESTIGATION
Tags: us_LA, public, fire, response, chlorine

FIRE AT CHEMICAL LABORATORY
Tags: India, laboratory, fire, response, diesel

VALERO SAYS THERE WAS NO FIRE OR EXPLOSION AT MEMPHIS REFINERY
Tags: us_TN, industrial, release, injury, unknown_chemical


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SCIENCE LAB MISHAP SICKENS 17 PEOPLE AT HUDSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/04/science-lab-mishap-sickens-17-people-at-hudson-valley-high-school/
Tags: us_NY, laboratory, release, injury, other_chemical

FORT MONTGOMERY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) Ñ A chemical mishap in a high school science lab Tuesday sent more than two dozen people to hospitals to be checked out, and forced the evacuation of the school for the rest of the day.

The Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District announced on its Web site Tuesday that around 9:40 a.m. at O'Neill High School in Fort Montgomery, 27 grams of ammonium chloride were placed in distilled water, and allowed to dissolve in the fume hood on a hot plate during a teacher-led demonstration.

The hot plate was supposed to be turned off, but it was inadvertently left on, and the water and chemicals evaporated into a "billowing fog," the school district said.

The local fire department responded to the scene, and exhaust fans were placed in the lab to clear the area. Everyone was evacuated from the school.

---------------------------------------------

CALTECH ACID SPILL RESULTS IN HOSPITAL VISIT FOR LAB EMPLOYEE
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/breakingnews/ci_22122508/caltech-acid-spill-results-hospital-visit-lab-employee
Tags: us_CA, laboratory, release, injury, hydrochloric_acid

A minor hydrochloric acid spill at a Caltech laboratory Monday afternoon prompted a lab worker to be taken to a local hospital for treatment, fire officials said.

It was not known Tuesday the extent of the worker's injuries but Caltech and fire department officials said they believed he had been released.

Caltech spokesman Lawren Markle said it was "a few drops" of the acid that had apparently gotten on the worker's arm between his gloves and lab coat. The area was washed right away and the worker elected to go to the hospital for treatment, Markle said.

"Anytime you come in contact with a chemical, further evaluation in a hospital is highly recommended," said Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman with the Pasadena Fire Department.

---------------------------------------------

UPDATE: ROADS REOPENED AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/chemical-spill-shuts-down-th-streets#.UL88LuRi548
Tags: us_IN, transportation, release, response, sodium_hydroxide

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - UPDATE: Vigo County Hazmat Crews have informed News 10 that the Sodium Hydroxide spill has been cleaned up, and the roads are opened once again.

A tanker carrying the chemical had a leak in the storage container, which broke open further and spilled onto the streets.

Hazmat Crews were able to clean up with mess without further incident.

---------------------------------------------

SEMINOLE HIGH SCHOOL LOCKED DOWN IN CHEMISTRY LAB INCIDENT
http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_pinellas/seminole-high-school-locked-down-in-chemistry-lab-incident
Tags: us_FL, laboratory, discovery, response, mercury

SEMINOLE - Seminole High School was placed on lock down as a hazmat team examined substances brought in by chemistry students Tuesday morning, according to Pinellas County officials.

What was initially reported as a possible spill or release of a hazardous substances turned out to be a school chemistry project, and officials were using precaution to make sure the assignment didn't pose a safety threat.

Pinellas County Spokesperson Melanie Marq said that 125 students were given the assignment to bring in a substance listed on the Periodical Chart.

The lockdown happened during first period as a precautionary measure, allowing officials to examine the substances students brought in before they were carried throughout the school.

No chemicals or substances were spilled and no one was hurt.

Other than mercury, which was inside a thermometer, no information is available on the substances brought in by students.

---------------------------------------------

POLICE: METHAMPHETAMINE INGREDIENTS FOUND IN LIDO KEY CONDO THAT CAUGHT FIRE
http://www.bradenton.com/2012/12/04/4303468/chemicals-gas-tanks-found-at-lido.html
Tags: us_FL, public, fire, injury, meth_lab

SARASOTA -- The Sarasota Police Department confirmed chemicals found in a condominium unit that caught fire Tuesday morning on Lido Key are the ingredients used to cook methamphetamine, said Crystal Pruitt, Sarasota County communications spokeswoman.

Eight firefighters were hospitalized for respiratory issues and possible chemical exposure after fighting a fire on the 12th floor of The Lido Regency, 1700 Ben Franklin Drive.

About 40 occupants were evacuated from the 13-story building and are staying at a nearby Holiday Inn until more information is gathered, according to Capt. Susan Pearson, Sarasota Fire Department spokeswoman. Residents should be allowed back inside later Tuesday, Pruitt added.

The condominium's sprinkler system was activated, containing the fire to one apartment on the 12th floor, until firefighters were able to extinguish the flames about 20 minutes later. Sarasota dispatched 22 units and Longboat Key sent two to assist.

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WATER TREATMENT WORKER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL IN HAZMAT INCIDENT
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865567987/Water-treatment-worker-taken-to-hospital-in-hazmat-incident.html
Tags: us_UT, industrial, release, injury, water_treatment

NORTH SALT LAKE Ñ One man was sent to the hospital following a hazardous materials incident Monday.

About 12:45 p.m., a worker was trying to unload some chemicals into one of North Salt Lake's water treatment buildings, 1100 N. 40 East, when it somehow got mixed with another chemical, said South Davis Metro Fire Chief Jim Rampton.

The chemicals that were involved were still being investigated Monday. The reaction formed a "little cloud of something," which caused the worker breathing problems, Rampton said.

He was taken to a local hospital to be checked. Several streets in the area were temporarily blocked off and workers at other businesses were told to stay indoors, but the incident was contained to the one building, Rampton said.

---------------------------------------------

EUCALYPTUS OIL CAUSES HAZMAT SCARE AT SJ SPORTS CLUB
http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/eucalyptus-oil-causes-hazmat-scare-sj-sports-club/nTGMD/
Tags: us_CA, public, release, injury, other_chemical

SAN JOSE, Calif. Ñ More than 100 people were evacuated from a San Jose fitness center Monday night after they complained of shortness of breath and skin irritations.
The evacuation took place about 7:15 p.m. at Club One in the Silver Creek Sports Complex in South San Jose.
The lobby turned into a temporary treatment center for about 10 people Monday evening.
Firefighters said they complained of breathing and throat irritation from a strong odor in the women's locker room.
Several ambulances were parked outside just in case anybody needed to be taken to the hospital.
Firefighters didn't take any chances inside, using self-contained breathing apparatuses as they looked for the root of the problem.
Marlon Rosales, a personal trainer at the club, describes what happened before the evacuations began.
"One of my other clients said there's something really strong in the bathroom. Really strong and her eyes were burning. She was coughing right after," said Rosales.
Firefighters say they determined the odor was caused by eucalyptus oil, something that's non-toxic and is commonly used in saunas or steam rooms.

---------------------------------------------

FINCH ELEMENTARY EVACUATED DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK
http://cascade.patch.com/articles/finch-elementary-being-evacuated-hazmat-teams-moving-in#photo-12439509
Tags: us_GA, education, release, response, carbon_monoxide

Finch Elementary in southwest Atlanta was evacuated around 8:45am Monday, December 3rd.

According to WSB, Atlanta Firefighters reported a carbon monoxide reading of "17,000 parts per million, the highest levels the Fire Department has ever seen." (23-29 is a normal level) Their initial assessment is that a leak occurred in a furnace in the boiler room.

Atlanta Police taped off the area around the school and students were evacuated to Brown Middle School for the entire school day.

The potentially lethal amounts of carbon monoxide created such a scare that The Atlanta Public Schools Superintendant, Erroll Davis, called a press conference to ease concerns. According to the conference, the boiler/furnace at Finch Elementary was up to date and had last been inspected in November of 2011. (by rule they must be checked every 2 years)

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HAZMAT TEAM INVESTIGATING PARKSIDE RESORT AFTER NOXIOUS CHEMICALS DETECTED IN POOL AREA
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Hazmat+team+investigating+Parkside+Resort+after+noxious+chemicals+detected+pool+area/7644362/story.html
Tags: Canada, public, release, injury, pool_chemicals

The east tower of Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa has been evacuated and the surrounding streets shut down after noxious chemicals coming from the pool area sent two workers to hospital.

The Victoria Fire Department responded to reports at 7:36 a.m. of workers in the pool area feeling sick with runny eyes.

Chemical alarms used by firefighters "went off detecting toxicity in the air," said Victoria Fire Platoon Chief Jeff Zigay.

There is no fear at this time that the chemicals would combust, causing a fire or explosion, according to fire officials. The issue is the toxicity in the air.

....The chemicals involved are those used in maintaining and cleaning the pool "but what we don't know is what combination has been mixed up" to cause the problem, Zigay said.

---------------------------------------------

CHEMICAL FIRE INVESTIGATION
http://www.fox8live.com/story/20249823/chemical-fire-investigation
Tags: us_LA, public, fire, response, chlorine

Houma, La. - Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's deputies are looking for whoever set a chemical fire inside a Walmart store and forced an evacuation.

The incident happened Sunday, December 2nd at the discount store in west Houma.

Authorities responded to what they thought was a possible chemical spill. Once they got there, investigators determined a man intentionally ignited a container inside the store, and caused a chemical reaction. The sheriff's department says the chemical reaction created a thick cloud of smoke.

No one was hurt during the incident.

Investigators say the container included chlorine, but more tests will be done to determine the specific make-up of the mixture.

Surveillance cameras caught an image of the man suspected of setting the fire. He's described as about 30 years of age, muscular build with reddish colored hair.

---------------------------------------------

FIRE AT CHEMICAL LABORATORY
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/296211/fire-chemical-laboratory.html
Tags: India, laboratory, fire, response, diesel

Two minor fire accidents were reported in the City on Monday. There has been no loss of life or major property damage in both the incidents.

A fire broke out in the generator room of Pall India Private Limited, a chemical laboratory in Sarakki Industrial Layout, JP Nagar VI Phase at around 8.45 am.

Two workers of the laboratory saw sparks coming out of the generator and fire broke out even before they could switch off the generator.

The flame soon spread as a diesel can was kept next to the generator. A heap of old papers dumped in the room also caught fire.

Five tenders which rushed to the spot took almost an hour to put out the fire.

---------------------------------------------

VALERO SAYS THERE WAS NO FIRE OR EXPLOSION AT MEMPHIS REFINERY
http://news.yahoo.com/chemical-explosion-injures-four-valeros-memphis-refinery-report-163900355--finance.html
Tags: us_TN, industrial, release, injury, unknown_chemical

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Valero Energy Corp said on Monday that the rupture of a small window on a unit at its 180,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery in Memphis, Tennessee, injured two workers, but the incident did not involve an explosion or fire as some local media reports had indicated.
Valero spokesman Bill Day said the sight glass failed on an alkylation unit, injuring one Valero employee and a contractor. Refinery operations were not affected, Day said.
Memphis Fire Department spokesman Lt. Wayne Cook corroborated that there was no fire or explosion. He said both workers were taken to a hospital, one with critical injuries.
Cook and Day also said responders are investigating what chemicals were behind the glass that ruptured.

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Ralph Stuart
secretary**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Secretary
Division of Chemical Health and Safety
American Chemical Society

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