[10-31-2022] Los Angeles County, CA – Four People Sickened, One critically, at LAX Due to Hazmat Exposure

At least four people and another whom critically ill after a carbon dioxide leak at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, October 31, 2022.

The accident happened at around 7 a.m. in the Terminal 8 baggage area.

Witnesses heard A popping inside a small utility room at the airport, which is when the leak started. All four of the patients were employees who were in the room or closed by.

According to LAFD Capt. Erik Scott at a morning press conference. The utility room is outfitted with a system to suppress fires with carbon dioxide. Authorities intended to extinguish a fire without affecting the electrical equipment inside.

Three patients—two men and a woman—were attended on-site for minor ailments. According to the fire department, the fourth patient, believed to be a man in his 50s, was discovered unresponsive and not breathing inside the utility room. The airport police immediately administered CPR to the worker. The patient’s condition was upgraded to critical once he arrived at a local hospital.

According to the Fire Department, no passengers or travelers were medically harmed by the release, even though up to 100 people had to leave Terminal 8. The distance between the utility room and the Terminal 8 baggage area is reportedly more than 200 feet.

According to an update, only a minimal amount of carbon dioxide was left in the room. This is after a hazardous materials team from the fire department came to the airport to investigate the leak.

Although the situation was under control, Scott said that before things could resume, the system needed to be reset as usual.

Authorities stated that they kept United flights arriving at LAX at their airport of departure throughout the hazmat investigation.

Chemical Accident Exposure Statistics in LAX

Exposure to hazardous materials or environments resulted in 672 fatalities, 424,360 nonfatal injuries, and illnesses in 2020. There have also been cases of diseases linked to exposure to risky substances or environments.

Drug or alcohol use that wasn’t medically necessary resulted in 388 accidental deaths. The percentage of opioid overdose fatalities at work has increased by 431% since 2011.

The year 2020 saw 424,360 nonfatal injuries and illnesses that caused people to miss work and 672 fatalities brought on by exposure to hazardous materials or environments.

Exposure to hazardous substances or environments has also been linked to developing other diseases. Three hundred eighty-eight died due to unintentional overdoses by recreational drug or alcohol use. Since 2011, there has been a 431% increase in overdose deaths at work.

A few irritants or corrosives may also be thick and challenging to remove. The substance needs to be removed as soon as possible. First responders should have access to the necessary tools to treat chemical burns. If you allow acidic substances to remain on your skin, you risk getting more burns.

LAX Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyers

The effects of toxic chemical contact on one’s health can be severe. Remember that you might still experience health issues after your initial treatment. You may have to deal with the long-term effects of some of these problems. You should be compensated for how your burns have changed your life.

If you were hurt and suffered chemical burns, The best thing to do is consult with a lawyer who specializes in handling chemical burn personal injury cases. The person whose carelessness caused the accident may pay for your expenses.

The LAX chemical exposure injury attorneys at our firm are ready to answer your queries and take the necessary actions to obtain the just compensation you deserve.

We have handled tens of thousands of cases. Please find out more about how people are typically exposed to chemicals, the kinds of injuries that exposure to chemicals can cause, and how our knowledgeable legal team can assist you in pursuing your legal entitlement to compensation.

If you or relative know had suffered from chemical exposure, call us immediately to speak with an experienced chemical exposure injury lawyer. We help people involved in severe accidents, like those that resulted in truck fatalities or back injuries from trips and falls.

We are among as one of the top law firms in California that handle cases involving auto accidents. For a free case review, please complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form or call (888) 488-1391.