Laboratory management learned on Aug. 3 that on June 16, two postdocs working with a chemical called Aqua Regia inhaled chemicals that led to the hospitalization of one of the post docs in July.
Aqua Regia (Latin for "royal water") is a highly corrosive, fuming yellow liquid, formed by a fresh mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid. Aqua Regia is used in etching and in certain analytic procedures. Aqua Regia does not last very long, thus it has to be mixed immediately before use. Aqua Regia releases nitric acid and hydrochloric acid as well as nitrous dioxide and other potentially dangerous gases.
The event is now a matter of a formal investigation. Preliminary information indicates that in early June, the postdocs were conducting laboratory work using the mixture. One postdoc suffered shortness of breath with no further symptoms. The other postdoc experienced continued respiratory symptoms and was hospitalized for six days in July. After ruling out other possible disease agents, doctors have preliminarily concluded that the chemical exposure likely contributed to the employee's condition.
Laboratory managers were informed of the occupational exposure only after one of the postdocs returned from the hospital in July and informed staff at Occupational Medicine (HSR-2). As soon as the Laboratory management was informed of the event, health experts responded quickly to make the proper notifications, assess the situation and walk down the workspace. Laboratory medical staff continues to monitor the employee's progress and assist with treatment with the goal of full respiratory rehabilitation.
An all-employee memo on the importance of worker safety was issued on Tuesday (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
