3 workers fall ill, 180 evacuated after chemical spill at Hong Kong hospital

Three workers at a public hospital in Hong Kong fell ill and more than 180 people were evacuated after a chemical leaked from a waste container during a delivery on Monday.

The formaldehyde spill was reported at the clinical pathology department in Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin at around noon. The Fire Services Department and police were alerted.

Hospitals mainly use formaldehyde as a preservative and disinfectant, especially in laboratories and pathology units. The chemical, which is classified as a potential carcinogen, can be used to store biological specimens but exposure may irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

The hospital said it initiated contingency measures and cordoned off the affected area, with 180 workers in the department evacuated.

Police said they received a report at 1.10pm that a plastic container was damaged, causing the chemical to spill into a corridor. The affected area measured about 0.5 by two metres, and a pungent odour was reported.

The Hospital Authority said the chemical was being transported by a chemical waste contractor.