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Chlorine leak prompts evacuation in Cy-Fair
01:20 AM CDT on Friday, July 25, 2008
HOUSTON -- A shopping center was evacuated and a portion of FM 1960 closed for about three hours in the Cy-Fair area of northwest Harris County after a chlorine leak on Thursday night.
The first report of the leak came at about 7 p.m. The source of the leak was sealed at about 9 p.m., the road was opened just before 10 p.m.
During or immediately after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine, the following signs and symptoms may develop:
Coughing
Chest tightness
Burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
Nausea and vomiting
Burning pain, redness, and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas, skin injury similar to frostbite if exposed to liquid chlorine
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (may appear immediately if high concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or may be delayed if low concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled)
Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) within 2 to 4 hours
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
One of the businesses evacuated was a gymnastics center on FM 1960 at Steepletop Drive. Emergency officials said a cylinder located behind the center was leaking.
The leak was sealed at about 8:30 p.m.
Three people were transported to the hospital complaining of respiratory problems. Their conditions were unknown as of 10 p.m.
The constable's office said no shelter in place order was issued for the neighboring community.
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