Walmart fumes that forced an evacuation in South Jersey caused by insecticide that fell off a shelf
Nearly 20 people went to local hospitals for treatment after exposure to the fumes.
An accidental discharge from an insecticide canister that fell off a shelf inside a South Jersey Walmart caused the irritating fumes that led to people being sent to hospitals for evaluation and treatment, authorities said Thursday.
The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management said the discharge happened around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday inside the Walmart at 820 Cooper St. in Deptford when an aerosol canister of Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer fell off a shelf and discharged.
The agency said there was no evidence of malicious intent.
“Following an overnight deep cleaning of the store, while the store remained closed to customers, store personnel located the empty canister beneath a shelf,” the agency said.
Nineteen people were transported to three area hospitals for evaluation and treatment, the agency said.
Additional people also sought medical evaluations on their own at a satellite medical facility, the agency said.
Product safety information for the insecticide said exposure can cause eye and skin irritation and a potential for harmful effects if swallowed or inhaled. Authorities said people inside the Walmart reported symptoms such as coughing and raspy throats.
“If you were present during the incident and experienced effects from the release but did not receive medical evaluation or transportation, you may wish to follow up with your primary healthcare provider. Anyone who develops concerning or persistent symptoms should seek appropriate medical attention,” the agency said.
