Bourbonnais Man Dies From Possible Pesticide Exposure In Chicago Ridge
Chicago Ridge police and OSHA investigating chemical company after Bourbonnais man dies of possible exposure to methyl bromide.
By Lorraine Swanson (Patch Staff) -
Updated Oct 26, 2017 12:26 am ET
CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- A Bourbonnais man died after he was exposed to methyl bromide at a Chicago Ridge chemical plant. Derek Mesenbring, 31, was at work when he began feeling ill on Monday afternoon. He was taken to Palos Community Hospital, where he passed away early the next morning. An autopsy is pending at the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
Around 4:32 p.m. Monday, Mesenbring's wife called the Chicago Ridge Police Department and asked them to check up on her husband at Industrial Fumigant Co., a company that provides pest management and sanitation solution services. Police said the wife had spoken to her husband earlier, who complained he wasn't feeling well.
When officers arrived at 6663 99th St, Chicago Ridge, they saw Mesenbring's car parked in the lot. The building was also secured. Officers were able to get into the building, where they found Mesenbring in distress, police said in a news release. The man was taken to Palos Community Hospital in Palos Hills,
The hospital went on a hazmat watch after learning that the Bourbonnais man had been exposed to insecticide. Chicago Ridge's police officers and fire personnel were sent back to the hospital for evaluations for the possible exposure to the chemical. Police said the first responders did not show any signs of toxic exposure.
Methyl bromide is an airborne toxicant. Once ventilated, it no longer poses a threat. The Chicago Ridge Fire Department ventilated the building and it returned to a safe level. Chicago Ridge police are cooperating with OSHA in an ongoing investigation.