EHS Responds to Chemical Fire in St. Margaret's Bay

Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia responded to a chemical fire in St. Margaret's Bay today. Two paramedic units and a medical operations supervisory unit responded. No patients were transported to hospital. Paramedics treated three adult males. The men went to hospital on their own.

The chemical involved in the fire was aluminum phosphide. The chance of exposure to chemical fumes is minimal.

Residents living in St. Margaret's Bay who are experiencing shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, headaches or abdominal pain which they feel might be as a result of exposure to these fumes are advised to call their doctor or the Poison Control Centre at 902-428-8161.

Symptoms generally appear within the first few hours of inhalation exposure.