Total of 42 Hanford workers evaluated for chemical exposure

The number of workers receiving medical evaluations for possible exposure to chemical vapors over the last week at Hanford reached 42 Wednesday.

Five Hanford workers were sent for evaluations as a precautionary measure because of reported odors or symptoms outside the tank farms Wednesday, according to Washington River Protection Solutions. Odors were reported at two different locations.

Four other workers received evaluations at the on-site medical clinic as a precaution because of odors or symptoms reported Tuesday.

Air samples taken Tuesday in two areas where odors were reported found chemical concentrations well below regulatory standards. Access to the areas has been restored.

All workers have been released to return to work. Thirty-one workers have reported symptoms in the last week and 11 requested medical evaluations as a precaution.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Total of 42 Hanford workers evaluated for chemical exposure."