More Than 40 Hanford Workers Checked for Chemical Vapor Exposure

The number of Hanford Site workers evaluated for possible exposure to chemical vapors from tank waste has reached 42 over seven days. Some 31 have reported symptoms and 11 requested checks as a precaution. All have been released to return to work. Five workers were sent to the on-site medical clinic Wednesday because of reported odors or symptoms in two different places outside the tank farms that afternoon. In addition, four received medical checks on Wednesday due to reported odors or symptoms Tuesday. Air samples collected Tuesday found chemical concentrations well below regulatory standards, and areas where odors had been reported were reopened to access, according to site tank farms contractor Washington River Protection Solutions. Today, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is expected to be at Hanford for a briefing on chemical vapors.