An ammonia gas leak at a Sterling, Virginia commercial building sent twenty-six people to hospitals late Wednesday.
Rescuers with the Loudoun County Fire Rescue responded to reports of the gas leak in the 22400 block of Sous Vide Lane in Sterling just after 8:30 p.m.
Numerous people were exposed to the leak later confirmed as ammonia, a toxic gas used in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air can be extremely harmful with symptoms including irritation of the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs.
High concentration or prolonged exposure to ammonia can cause lung damage or even death.
Authorities said that among the 26 patients, four experienced “significant symptoms.”
Other patients were evaluated and treated at the scene. In addition to Loudon County authorities, multiple agencies assisted in the emergency including from Fairfax and Prince William counties.
