Pesticide Found in Donated Clothing at D.I., Workers Evacuated

The North Las Vegas Fire Department reported Wednesday that workers were evacuated from the local Deseret Industries store because pesticide was found in some donated clothing:

North Las Vegas, Nevada – Seven thrift store workers were transported by ambulance to three area hospitals on Wednesday after they opened a bag of donated clothing that was covered in a white powder that HazMat crews identified as a chemical used in pesticides, known as Naphanol.  Shortly after they were exposed to the white substance, the workers began to experience trouble breathing and a burning sensation in the nose and throat.

The North Las Vegas Fire Department at about 4 p.m. evacuated 30 workers the Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center, 3750 W. Craig Road, near the intersection Craig Road and Allen Lane in North Las Vegas.  The seven workers were taken to Mountain View Hospital, Centennial Hills Hospital and Valley Hospital.  One worker was treated on scene. Each of the patients is expected to make a full recovery.  The incident was contained to the donation center and did not affect people in the nearby residential area.  Fire officials determined the incident was not deliberate.

Medic West and Las Vegas Fire also responded to the scene.