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University of Alabama science lab chemical spill burns one person's foot, leaves others struggling to breathe
By Paul Best
Published February 09, 2023
A chemical spill in a laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham left one person with burns on their foot, according to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesperson for UAB said that the entire 8th floor of Bevill Biomedical Research Building had to be evacuated due to the accident, which was a hydrochloric acid spill.
A HAZMAT team from Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and neutralized the chemical shortly before noon. (Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service)
First responders were called to the scene shortly before noon.
"The spill was contained in the room," Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Capt. Orlando Reynolds told Fox News Digital. "Our HAZMAT team went up and neutralized the chemical."
ALABAMA CHEMICAL SPILL PROMPTS EVACUATIONS: ‘THREAT TO LIFE SAFETY ISSUE’
The person with injuries to their foot was transported to a local hospital for treatment. AL.com reported that initial reports indicated others were having trouble breathing.
The spill happened in a lab on the 8th floor of UAB's Bevill Biomedical Research Building. (Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service)
A UAB spokesperson said there is no active threat to the campus.
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Hydrochloric acid is used in research labs as well as in the production of various fertilizers, dyes, and chlorides. It's a highly corrosive acid that can cause severe burns and even blindness if it comes into contact with someone's eyes, according to the CDC.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-alabama-science-lab-chemical-spill-burns-one-persons-foot-leaves-others-struggling-breath