8 HOSPITALIZED
FROM TOXIC VAPOR AT VOLUSIA, FLORIDA POOL SUPPLY STORE
Truck driver accidentally poured liquid chlorine into sulfuric
acid tank.
A cloud of vapor at a Central Florida pool supply store
sent several people to the hospital, authorities said. The vapor was chlorine gas, a very dangerous gas.
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Once used as a chemical weapon in the World War I, chlorine gas has long been known for its pulmonary irritant properties. Many chlorine exposures are the result of accidents at swimming pools and mixing of household agents. However, recent events in the Iraq war, the war on terror and large-scale industrial incidents have demonstrated that chlorine represents a persistent hazardous material (HAZMAT) threat. Massive quantities of chlorine are stored and transported across the United States with minimal security. Chlorine has been successfully used as an unconventional weapon in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Once used as a chemical weapon in the World War I, chlorine gas has long been known for its pulmonary irritant properties. Many chlorine exposures are the result of accidents at swimming pools and mixing of household agents. However, recent events in the Iraq war, the war on terror and large-scale industrial incidents have demonstrated that chlorine represents a persistent hazardous material (HAZMAT) threat. Massive quantities of chlorine are stored and transported across the United States with minimal security. Chlorine has been successfully used as an unconventional weapon in Operation Iraqi Freedom
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The incident happened Monday night at Pool Sure at the
intersection of Center Street and 3rd Street in Holly Hill.
Firefighters said after the business had closed for the
day, a truck driver making a routine delivery accidentally poured chlorine into
a sulfuric acid tank.
Fire officials said the combination caused a dangerous
chemical reaction and created a toxic vapor.
"There were cops everywhere. Firetrucks
everywhere," said Chrissy Bates, who lives next to the business.
"The smell was awful."
The fumes spread through the nearby area, sickening some
people as far away as half a mile, according to firefighters.
Fire officials said four emergency responders and four
others were taken to the hospital, including the delivery truck driver.
The incident is being investigated. No further details
are immediately available.