Haz Mat Team Called to East Palo Alto As Drain Cleaner Lands Man In Hospital

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — Exposure to a household chemical used for opening clogged drains sent a man to the hospital and triggered a response from a hazardous materials team this week in East Palo Alto, a fire spokesman said.

Firefighters responded to a request for medical assistance by a man who was having trouble breathing around 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the 800 block of Green Street, according to fire spokesman Mike Ralston.

Emergency crews noticed the potential for exposure to hazardous materials and pulled the victim out of the building. There were two other adults and an infant present, but they were unaffected.

A hazardous materials team entered the residence and determined there was no ongoing danger to the occupants.

— By Bay City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone