A building in Seattle was evacuated Friday afternoon after reports of a chemical odor, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
At about 3:30 p.m., HazMat responded to the report of the odor in the 400 block of West Mercer Street.
The building was evacuated as a safety precaution.
According to video from the scene, multiple fire trucks, medics, and other crews responded to the scene.
At about 4:44 p.m., Seattle Fire said crews found a lead-acid battery off-gassing hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide.
According to the CDC, hydrogen cyanide is a gas with a bitter, almond-like odor. Exposure can be fatal.
According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide is a gas that smells like “rotten eggs” and is extremely toxic.
The battery was removed from the building and crews are waiting for the building to ventilate before people can return to their homes.
400 block of W Mercer St: HazMat crews are entering the building to investigate. pic.twitter.com/ycvwgcTVEP
— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) June 2, 2023
No injuries were reported.
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