50 Affected by Chemcial Spill in Hollywood
Nearly 50 people were treated by paramedics for burning eyes and breathing problems Wednesday night after a small chemical spill on the second floor of a Hollywood medical building.
None of those overcome by the fumes emitted by about three quarts of acetic anhydride appeared seriously injured, Los Angeles City Fire Department Inspector Ed Reed said. Only two of the victims were taken to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center for further treatment.
About 20 other people in the six-story Hollywood Medical Center at 6753 Hollywood Blvd. were told to remain in their offices until the spill was cleaned up and the fumes abated.
Assistant Fire Chief Bob Ramirez said the organic acid apparently was being used in a medical process in one of the offices when it was spilled. The fumes resulted when clean-up personnel attempted to wet-mop it. The chemical reacts to water, he said.
Two teams of firefighters in protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus entered the building to aid the occupants. The chemical was neutralized with soda ash.
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