Health officials have released guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with a hazardous materials spill on Interstate 10 Feb. 14.
AZDPS On Scene Of Hazardous Materials Spill On Interstate 10 In Tucson
The hazmat incident is ongoing as state and local emergency response agencies work to clean up the spill and remediate the accident scene.
The spill was nitric acid. Concentrated nitric acid is also called fuming red nitric acid and releases a gas, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a slightly irritant gas that with prolonged exposure especially in a confined space with the source of nitrogen dioxide, can cause delayed lung complications up to 24 hours after exposure.
Pima County Health Department and Poison Control are recommending that individuals who may have been in contact with the gas for more than 15 minutes assess themselves for exposure risk.