The Region : Fumes Overcome Airport Cargo Crew

Fumes wafting from a chemical leak overcame two America West Airlines cargo handlers at a Los Angeles International Airport warehouse before firefighters contained the spill. John Hicks, supervisor of operations for the Department of Airports, said the two unidentified cargo handlers were treated at the Centinela Hospital Medical Center’s airport facility for breathing difficulties and skin irritations and released. Hicks said the two men were transporting boxes of a foam resin agent inside America West’s warehouse when one box began leaking fluid, releasing fumes that overcame the workers. Hicks said that although the airport has rules against the loading of hazardous materials in that area, the chemical was not considered to be dangerous.