07 April 2017 (01:50 UTC-07 Tango 06) 18 Farvardin 1396/10 Rajab 1438/11 Jia Chen 4715
Arizona first responders and National Guard suit-up for toxic gas situation at animal hospital
On 06 APR 2017, employees at an animal hospital in Gilbert, Arizona, thought they smelled a gas leak. When the fire department investigated they claim to have found a toxic gas “hazmat situation” and ordered an evacuation of the Arizona Veterinary Specialists clinic.
The National Guard’s 91st Civil Support Team was called in, as well as surrounding municipality’s HAZMAT teams. Apparently first responders called it a hazmat situation because they determined it was not a gas leak, but they were not able to identify what was in the air.
Entering the Hot Zone in Level-A suits
14 dogs and one cat were evacuated, most were connected to medical equipment. Local news media said the first dog brought out was in critical condition, but didn’t say if it was due to the toxic gas. Veterinarians who checked out the animals after evacuation don’t think the animal’s conditions are connected to the hazmat situation.
Local news media say the employees, and the fire crews that responded to the 9-1-1 call, were checked for contamination. Finally, investigators determined the toxic gas was ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment.
Ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor, and is also used to make toxic bug spray.
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