Hazardous Scare

By Sam Poe
Friday, June 28, 2013 | 9:07 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1639

The Haleyville Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Drug Task Force, Bear Creek Police Department, and Bear Creek Fire Department responded to the scene of a hazardous materials call Thursday morning. The event took place on Stults Lane just off County Highway 34 (Cherry Hill Road). The workers on a waste collection truck had gotten sick shortly after compacting waste that had been collected earlier in the morning, and one man was transported to Lakeland Community Hospital for treatment.  Once haz-mat officials arrived on the scene, they moved the truck to an isolated location on County Highway 99 to ensure safety of area residents as the truck was examined further.  The Marion County Drug Task Force officers and members of both fire departments used extreme caution while searching for the source of the contamination. After a few hours of examination, the source of the problem was identified to be a continer of de-icer and another household chemical. The two chemical had mixed together during compaction to cause a chemical reaction with toxic fumes that made the worker sick. Officers on the scene ensured the chemicals were properly disposed, and the truck was released to continue the route. 

Residents are reminded to use caution when disposing of household chemicals. Although these items are safe when used properly, reactions with other chemicals in your home or trash can cause hazardous fumes, fires, or explosions. All chemicals have guidelines for proper disposal identified on their containers, but if you have any questions, you can contact the Alabama Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or [CLICK HERE] for the website.