HOLLAND, Mich. — Emergency services responded to a chemical spill at a Holland recreation center on Monday at around 11:57 a.m.
The Holland Department of Public Safety (HDPS) says the spill happened at the Holland Aquatic Center on Maple Avenue.
We're told all occupants were evacuated. According to the City of Holland, three individuals were taken to Holland Hospital after complaining of some minor respiratory irritation. People that were exposed at the Holland Aquatic Center are reportedly continuing to experience irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Anyone with these conditions should seek medical attention. Anyone with more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing should call 911.
Public safety officials say there is no threat to nearby businesses or other properties.
Firefighters determined that a small amount of liquid sanitizer (sodium hypochlorite) was being offloaded into a bulk container in the pump room inside the building. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used for sanitizing pools and water purification. It is currently believed that a small amount of the sanitizer became vaporized into the air, which allowed it to move throughout the building. However, there was no spill of free liquid in the space. The unloading process was then shutdown quickly before firefighters arrived. The building was then ventilated to remove any residual vapors and odors.
