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SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Fire officials say seven people were taken to the hospital for evaluation after they were exposed to a dental chemical at a health center in San Jose.
The San Jose Mercury News reports (http://bayareane.ws/21yryLt) the fire department and a hazardous-materials team were sent to the facility Wednesday after getting a report of a spill of the chemical cresol, which is used as a sealant after filling cavities. Cresol can be a corrosive or a respiratory irritant in concentration.
Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley CEO Sonya Tetnowski says an ounce of the chemical was spilled into a drawer of respiratory masks and a staffer later put on one of the contaminated masks and exposed the patients to the chemical.
Fire Capt. Christopher Salcido says five adults and two children were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
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Information from: The San Jose Mercury News, htpp://www.mercurynews.com
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