Emergency crews, including hazardous materials personnel, were called to the operating room area at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center on Tuesday morning following a chemical spill. While no patients were affected, one staff member was injured.
Hospital officials reported that the spill involved formaldehyde and occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the surgery department. The SEIRMC hazmat team worked alongside the West Burlington Fire Department to contain, neutralize, and safely clean up the substance, preventing any additional exposure.
A spokesperson for Great River Health explained that the chemical, known as formalin, is commonly used in operating rooms for preserving tissue samples. The affected operating room has since been taken out of service.
Although patients were not exposed, one employee came into contact with the chemical and was promptly treated in the hospital’s emergency department.
