THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 2, 1995 TAG: 9512020561
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Two Lakeview Medical Center employees were treated Friday for exposure to toxic fumes after formaldehyde was spilled in the laboratory, forcing evacuation of the building.
The center closed for the day.
One woman, who has asthma, was admitted to Obici Hospital for observation of respiratory difficulties. The other, who had the solution spilled on her, was treated in the emergency room and released.
Formaldehyde, a skin- and eye-irritant, can be toxic if inhaled, said Fire Department spokesman Jeff Messinger.
Three employees were working in the lab when about two gallons of Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde and water, spilled from a plastic container, said Administrator Michael Stout.
About 130 employees and 80 patients were evacuated.
The facility, in the 2000 block of Meade Parkway, off Pruden Boulevard, will be open today.
The pediatric department worked out of the facility's northern Suffolk office Friday. by CNB