Thirteen people were hospitalized in Southern California after a hazmat leak occurred at a business, authorities said.
The department added that crews were able to “isolate the area” and were “treating people exposed” to the hazard.
Along with the tweet, the OCFA shared a photo of three members of the hazardous materials units in silver and orange hazmat suits heading into the building with a wheeled cart of supplies. They each wore a large silver face shield, covering their heads and necks.
In an update on Friday night, the department said atotal of 13 peoplewere sent to the hospital and one person was treated on the scene and then released.
“Firefighters continued their efforts to stop the ammonia leak throughout the day, and were eventually able to mitigate it,” the OCFA said in a statement.
As crews worked in the area, they advised the public to “avoid using” Caballero Boulevard.
The OCFA did not say how the leak may have started, but noted it is investigating the incident.
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Exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air can cause people to experience face, eye, skin, throat and lung irritation as well as coughing and burns, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, ammonia exposure can be fatal.
Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, skin pain and redness, skin blisters and permanent or temporary blindness.
source: people.com
