A CLEAN-UP team was called in when 23 people were taken to hospital following a chemical spill at a West Lothian warehouse.
Denatonium Benzoate, which is used to make inedible liquids such as anti-freeze bitter, leaked into an area at freight company Palletways in Livingston. Most of the casualties were discharged from St John’s Hospital with some kept in for observation.
Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said a container had been punctured while a forklift truck was moving a pallet. “The casualties were complaining of throat irritation and mild breathlessness,” a spokeswoman said.
Around 20 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and chemical suits used absorbent chemicals to clear up the spill within two hours.
A spokeswoman for NHS Lothian commented: “A total of 23 people were identified as having minor symptoms and they were assessed and treated in the accident and emergency department at St John’s Hospital.”
