Chemical Spill at UWSP

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Updated: 10:27 PM Jun 27, 2005 Chemical Spill at UWSP Some scary moments on the UW-Stevens Point campus Monday afternoon. A chemical spill forced the closure of the science building on campus. And even though only a small amount was spilled, emergency crews didn't want to take any chances. Posted: 5:11 PM Jun 27, 2005 Reporter: Amanda Lutz Chemical Spill at UWSP Science Building

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The chemical involved in the spill on the UW-Stevens Point campus Monday afternoon is called bromine...an additive in fuels, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals. It can cause severe burns to the skin, and can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

That's why as a precaution, the Stevens Point Fire Department shut down the entire science building Monday afternoon.

Stevens Point Fire Chief Mark Barnes says a professor dropped a container with about 50 milliliters of bromine in one of the science labs.

That's only enough to create a small puddle on the floor. But because bromine can be so toxic, they evacuated the building.

"The danger is over to humans as long as we don't put them in there. As long as we take it slow, this'll be a non-event," says Chief Barnes.

Hazmat crews went through room by room to ventilate the building, and they used airboat fans at the entry ways to control the air flow. The building was re-opened after a few hours.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the spill. Chief Barnes says the professor who dropped the bromine might need a new shirt and shoes, but other than that, he's doing fine.