Nine Taken to Hospital After 'Chemical Incident' in Hanwell |
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Chlorine gas believed to have been released at Gold's Gym
December 12, 2023 Nine people had to be taken to hospital as a precaution after being affected by chemical fumes at a gym in Hanwell. Around 70 people were required to leave Gold’s Gym on Uxbridge Road after a mixture of chemicals are believed to have produced chlorine gas this Monday evening (11 December). London Fire Brigade put in a 25 metre cordon around the site and helped ventilate the premises after finding elevated readings of chlorine gas during a sweep of the building. Firefighters, wearing hazardous materials suits, also worked to clean up a chemical spillage inside a plant room. The Brigade were called at 8:35pm and sent two fire engines from Ealing and Southall fire stations and a fire and rescue unit from Wembley Fire Station. The all clear was given at 11:48pm. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “Most cleaning chemicals are either acid or alkali based – and if they were to be mixed, there is a very real risk that there will be a chemical reaction. This reaction can often release a harmful, irritable or even toxic gas which can have an incredibly strong smell and have a harmful effect on anyone breathing in these gases, especially the young and the elderly. “Inhaling this gas can cause breathing difficulties as well as choking and irritation of the airway. The gas can also cause eyes to water and, in stronger concentrations, can cause loss of consciousness. If you accidentally cause this chemical reaction, it is vital you leave the premises immediately and call 999.”
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