CDC: Twice as many affected by Beach Park ammonia leak than initially thought; confusion about ‘smoke’ led to more injuries
A lack of communication led to healthcare providers and first-responders exposing themselves to a toxic gas after the release of an agricultural fertilizer that created a fog in April in Beach Park, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Thursday afternoon.
In addition, more than twice as many people — including homeowners, commuters, police and fire first-responders and hospital personnel — were exposed and treated during the hazardous material incident than initially reported, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Authorities reported in the past that the incident sent 41 people to area hospitals, including 11 fire and police personnel, and required residents in a one-mile area to shelter in place or evacuate, according to a National Transportation Safety Report released in June.
The CDC report said that, in fact, 83 people were evaluated at six area hospitals for effects of the chemical release. Fourteen were admitted, including eight who were placed in an intensive care unit, and all but one required endotracheal intubation, where a tube is placed into the windpipe through the mouth or nose along with mechanical ventilation, according to the CDC report.
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In addition, more than twice as many people — including homeowners, commuters, police and fire first-responders and hospital personnel — were exposed and treated during the hazardous material incident than initially reported, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Authorities reported in the past that the incident sent 41 people to area hospitals, including 11 fire and police personnel, and required residents in a one-mile area to shelter in place or evacuate, according to a National Transportation Safety Report released in June.
The CDC report said that, in fact, 83 people were evaluated at six area hospitals for effects of the chemical release. Fourteen were admitted, including eight who were placed in an intensive care unit, and all but one required endotracheal intubation, where a tube is placed into the windpipe through the mouth or nose along with mechanical ventilation, according to the CDC report.
Click Here to read more.