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Fourteen Hospitalized After Mysterious Powder Exposure at Lenoir Recycling Plant
A white powdery substance found atop packages at Prime Recycling in Lenoir sent 14 people to the hospital with respiratory issues Monday morning. Authorities are still working to identify the substance as state and local hazmat teams respond.
LENOIR, N.C. â Fourteen people were taken to the hospital Monday morning after exposure to an unidentified white powder at an industrial recycling facility in southwest Lenoir, according to the Lenoir Fire Department.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Prime Recycling on Watson Road at about 10:57 a.m. after a caller reported someone having difficulty breathing. The powder was discovered on top of some packages and is believed to have caused the respiratory problems, officials said.
Caldwell County officials said 22 people were evaluated at the scene, and at least 14 were transported to a hospital for treatment. Paramedics also reported that additional people had been affected by the exposure.
The State Bureau of Investigation, the Lenoir Fire Department and the Asheville Fire Department's hazmat team responded to the scene. Asheville Fire was working to identify the substance, and a press release was expected later Monday.
It was not immediately clear what the powder was or how it ended up at the recycling facility.
The incident highlights the risks faced by workers at industrial recycling sites, where unknown materials can arrive mixed in with everyday waste. Local officials have not yet said whether the facility was evacuated or whether operations have been suspended.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.