Nine taken to hospitals after chemical leak at Belle Glade agricultural building

Julius Whigham II, Palm Beach Post
·2 min read

BELLE GLADE — Nine people received evaluations at hospitals Wednesday morning after being exposed to a chemical leak at a Belle Glade agricultural building, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reports.

Crews responded just after 8 a.m. to the Pioneer Growers produce site on the 200 block of Northwest Avenue L after receiving reports of a hazardous condition. An engine crew observed a white cloud of fog coming from the rear of a large building, said Capt. Thomas Reyes, spokesman for Fire Rescue.

Those in or near the cloud were removed and others safely away from the leak were told to shelter in place. Several small business were evacuated, and students at nearby Belle Glade Elementary and Lake Shore Middle schools were kept indoors.

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The leak was chlorine dioxide, Reyes said. It was being used to purify water and presents symptoms similar to pool chlorine for those exposed to it, such as an itchy or burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat. The symptoms typically go away within minutes after exposure to the chemical has ended, Reyes said.

Machinery responsible for the leak was turned off and the cloud quickly dissipated. Fire Rescue crews evaluated 21 people for potential medical concerns, with nine being taken to hospitals for further evaluation.

A special operations unit remained on scene for several hours monitoring the site of the leak and the surrounding area. All gas levels continuously came back to normal readings, Reyes said.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on Twitter at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Chemical leak at Belle Glade produce plant sends 9 to hospitals