A hazardous spill in Spring was caused yesterday morning when a trash truck unknowingly compacted a container of muriatic acid, commonly used for pool maintenance, and cleaning. This incident sent three sanitation workers to the hospital, according to the Spring Fire Department and relayed by KHOU.
The event unfolded in the Saddlebrook Village neighborhood, the Spring Fire Department first reported the incident at 11:55 a.m. On arrival, emergency crews encountered not a fire, but a chemical reaction that looked like smoke, after the truck's compaction mechanism burst the container, as Click2Houston detailed. Officials have used this incident as a reminder to residents about the dangers of improperly disposing of hazardous materials. Muriatic acid, a diluted form of hydrochloric acid, can cause severe burns to the eyes and skin.
Three workers were injured following the release of toxic gas and promptly taken for medical attention. The Woodlands Fire Department provided assistance to the Spring Fire Department, deploying TWFD’s Engine 107, Engine 102, Hazmat 102, and Battalion 102 to manage the cleanup and ensure public safety. Firefighters emphasized the substance's dangers, and advocated for safer disposal practices, aiming to protect the health of sanitation workers, and the broader community.
As a safety measure, the University of California, Los Angeles offers guidelines on handling muriatic acid exposure. In case of eye contact, the recommended response is immediate flushing with water, and removal of any contact lenses, followed by urgent medical attention. For skin exposure, washing the area for at least 15 minutes is advised before seeking medical treatment.
