Six more Hanford workers evaluated for chemical vapor exposure

Six more Hanford workers were evaluated for possible exposure to chemical vapors Monday, bringing the total since Thursday to 26.

Monday three workers in the AP Tank Farm, where sampling was being done, reported smelling suspicious odors. None was wearing a respiratorsbecause chemical vapor levels in the area have been consistently below levels considered unsafe, according to Washington River Protection Solutions.

Three other workers requested medical evaluations because of odors in Hanford tank farms last week.

In total 19 workers reported symptoms that might indicate exposure to chemical vapors from waste held in underground tanks and seven were checked as a precaution.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, headaches, watery eyes and coughing. Workers are concerned that exposure to chemical vapors could lead to neurological or other serious health problems long term.

All 26 workers have been released to return to work after medical checks.

The smells and symptoms reported last week were suspected of being connected to the transfer of radioactive waste from the AY Tank Farm to the AP Tank Farm. That work has stopped to allow new equipment to be installed in the AY-102 Tank, which is being emptied because of an interior leak.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Six more Hanford workers evaluated for chemical vapor exposure."