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Cortland building evacuated after chemical exposure

Cortland building evacuated after chemical exposure

City of Cortland Fire Department Photo: Saga Communications


CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Six firefighters in Cortland are recovering from skin irritation. 

An automatic fire alarm was triggered Friday afternoon at the iSpice building on Central Avenue, and responding firefighters reported a misty, smoke-like condition. An evacuation of the building was soon ordered after some firefighters on the scene reported skin-exposure symptoms after being exposed to cleaning chemicals.

IFD determined that “as part of routine facility cleaning procedures, firefighters had been exposed to two separate chemicals that were aerosolized or in gaseous form.”

“While both cleaning agents are food-grade safe and industry-recognized, the chemicals, when aerosolized, pose a serious health irritant if inhaled or contacted with skin,” authorities said.

The 6 injured firefighters were treated and released within 2 hours. 

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