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February 12, 2012

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Thrift store evacuated after pesticide found; 7 hospitalized

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Rich Coleman

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (left) traveled to the Deseret Industries Thrift Store after authorities responded to complaints of a foul odor that hospitalized seven workers.

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Published Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 | 4:07 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 | 8:45 p.m.

Hazmat incident

Employees of the Deseret Industries Thrift Store, 3750 W. Craig Road, evacuated the store because of an odor brought on by a pesticide contained in a donation. Launch slideshow »

HazMat incident

Seven workers at a North Las Vegas thrift store were hospitalized Wednesday after a pesticide on a donated pair of pants caused workers to suffer from respiratory complications, officials said.

The North Las Vegas Fire Department responded at 3:12 p.m. to the Deseret Industries Thrift Store at 3750 W. Craig Road, which is near the intersection of Allen Lane.

“They basically described it as having a burning sensation to their eyes, nose, upper respiratory area,” North Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman Cedric Williams said.

Williams said about 30 people in the store were evacuated.

Investigators said the pesticide was on a donated pair of pants that had been inside a plastic bag.

Williams said preliminary reports are that the substance was the chemical Naphthol, but authorities said foul play isn’t suspected.

Todd Moody, a local spokesman for the LDS church, which sponsors the thrift store, said he came to the store out of concern for the workers. He said the seven workers at the store were hospitalized as a precautionary measure and no one’s condition had worsened.

“We’re getting good reports that those transported to the hospital are all stable,” Moody said.

Moody said he was grateful that employees called authorities.

“They did the right thing,” he said. “They’re not professionals in determining the source of what [the odor] could be, but when you have seven or eight people having respiratory problems, you contact the people who know what to do.”

Williams said seven people were taken to MountainView Hospital and Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center. One other person was treated at the scene.

The Las Vegas Fire and Rescue hazardous materials team assisted North Las Vegas firefighters at the scene.

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