08/03/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Pittsburgh, PA – A delivery truck driver was sent to the hospital after a chemical spill occurred inside his vehicle as he arrived at a South Park laboratory Monday, August 2, 2010, as reported by WPXI.com.
According to spokesman David Anna, the truck hit a bump inside the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory at approximately 1:45 p.m. The DOE spokesman explained a drum of acrylic acid tipped over and spilled less than a gallon of the material from the 55-gallon drum. The chemical was not intended for the laboratory.
Anna told the press the driver reported some breathing problems and dizziness and was checked out at a hospital. He later returned to his truck.
Anna also reported the spill was confined to the truck and that Ward Trucking Company of Altoona will remove the barrel.
Laboratory and county hazardous materials teams and local firefighters responded to the incident.
The Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory performs research on improving the efficiency of current energy sources, or finding new sources of energy.
Acrylic acid is used in the manufacturing of plastics, paint formulations and other products such as floor polish. It can irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
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