Dozens Being Treated After Water Treatment Chemical Spill
Update 4:57 p.m. – All lanes of U.S. 280 are open. Officials say it is safe to go outside.
Dozens of workers are being treated at area hospitals following a chemical spill this morning at the Birmingham Water Works treatment plant off U.S. 280. Officials say they’re being treated for respiratory problems. Fourteen people were transported to hospitals initially, with an additional 40 being treated as a precautionary measure, officials say.
The water supply hasn’t been affected, according to Rick Jackson, spokesman for the Birmingham Water Works. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management says it is monitoring the situation.
The spill happened around 9:30 a.m., according to Birmingham Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Sebastian Carrillo.
Jackson says officials are unsure what caused the spill. Two chemicals used in treating the water — sodium hypochlorite and ferric sulfate — mixed together. Normally they remain separate in the water treatment process. When they’re combined, they release a toxic gas.
Officials are monitoring air quality and wind conditions to see if gases escaped from the plant. Officials haven’t evacuated the area, but encourage residents to remain in place. Traffic on U.S. 280 is being diverted due to the spill.
Mountain Brook police warn of the effects of exposure to chlorine gas: sneezing, nose irritation, burning sensation, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, headache. Skin or eye irritation or chemical burns also are possible.
Homewood school officials announced that while they’re not under threat, they’re keeping students inside as a precautionary measure.
The plant is the state’s largest water treatment facility, according to the utility. It was in the midst of a major renovation when the spill took place.
3 things to know about Trump’s plan to send troops to Portland and Memphis
President Trump ordered the deployment of troops to Portland and said he's authorized them to use "full force" to curb protests outside of ICE facilities.
Overseas Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law denied entry to Singapore
The activist wanted by the Hong Kong government said he was denied entry to Singapore over the weekend for what he presumes were political reasons.
Moldova’s pro-EU party wins clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups
Moldova's pro-Western governing party won a clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups in an election that was widely viewed as a stark choice between East and West.
She felt abandoned — until a teacher’s hug reminded her she wasn’t alone
When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Eby in a hug.
Neglected form of diabetes with unusual symptoms finally gets its own name
An unusual type of diabetes linked to malnutrition now has a name. Scientists are calling for wider recognition of the newly classified Type 5 diabetes to spur better treatments.
Prone to winter depression? Starting light therapy now can help
As daylight diminishes people can feel their mood dimming. In fact millions of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can help fend off winter depression, starting in the fall.
