LEXMARK PLANT SEND WORKERS TO HOSPITAL

[Anonymous]

Fumes Send Colo. Plant Workers to Hospital
Chemical Fumes Send Plant Workers to Hospital, Force Evacuations in Colorado
BOULDER, Colo. Nov, 2005 – Fumes from chemicals mixed by a maintenance crew sent seven factory workers to hospitals Thursday and forced 150 to evacuate, officials said.
The fumes at the Lexmark International plant north of Boulder were created when the maintenance workers mixed two chemicals to treat some floors, company spokesman Tim Fitzpatrick said.
The chemicals involved were not immediately identified, but doctors said they created a mild respiratory irritant that sometimes causes nausea, Boulder County spokeswoman Patricia Demchak said.
Seven people were taken for treatment hospitals and later released, Fitzpatrick said.
Sixty to 100 employees were undergoing soap-and-water decontamination at the plant, Brooks said.
The plant, which makes toner for laser printers, closed for the day. It employs 260 to 275 people. Lexmark is based in Lexington, Ky.
A four-lane highway that runs near the plant was briefly closed. 

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November 14, 2005 at 10:26 AM