NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans Fire Department responded to Tulane University on Monday, Feb. 5 to investigate a chemical spill.
The NOFD reported the spill happened at 6730 Freret St. A university employee had spilled a five-gallon container of chloride dioxide.
According to the fire department, the chemical is used in water treatment to destroy bacteria. If inhaled, it can cause extreme discomfort in a person’s lungs, throat and nose.
While the threat was labeled as minimal, the building was evacuated for mitigation purposes.
One person was treated on the scene for exposure but was taken to a local hospital for further observation.
NOFD officials said firefighters will remain on scene until the clean-up is complete.
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