Six Flags-owned Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, Texas experienced a chemical leak on July 17 that led over 90 people to be exposed to high levels of dangerous chemicals in and around a children’s pool area. Those affected were as young as 3 years old. After the chemical spill and exposure occurred, the park remained closed for nearly 3 weeks before reopening after the park and officials felt that the health and safety of park visitors was back to operable safety levels.
According to the Harris County Fire Marshal, over 90 people were affected by the leak with nearly 30 of those transported from Hurricane Harbor Splashtown to local area hospitals. Those in the park that day stated that the park employees were focused on trying to hand out free tickets rather than attend to the issue.
Investigators believe that the chemical leak was a highly concentrated mixture of sulfuric acid and hypochlorite that ultimately leaked into a children’s pool area at the waterpark, leaving those in and around the contaminated pool area with irritated skin and breathing problems. Below we lay out what each chemical is, where you can find it, and, ultimately, how to treat any symptoms upon exposure.
What Is Hypochlorite & Is It Dangerous?
There are two types of hypochlorite that most consumers will encounter, sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) and calcium hypochlorite (a component of bleaching powder, or commonly known as “chlorine”).
According to the CDC, immediate signs of symptoms of chlorine exposure are:
- Blurred vision
- Burning pain, redness, and blisters on the skin if exposed to the gas. Skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if it is exposed to liquid chlorine
- Burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. These may appear immediately if high concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or they may be delayed if low concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled.
- Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) that may be delayed for a few hours
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
The CDC also notes that long-term effects and complications of chlorine exposure typically are the result of breathing in the chemical, leading to fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
What Should I Do If I’m Exposed To Chlorine?
If you’re exposed to chlorine in high, damaging doses, make sure to remove as much of the chlorine as possible and seek medical attention if breathing becomes affected. Most airborne exposure is treated with breathing treatments in a hospital setting to combat wheezing or the inability to properly breathe.
What Is Sulfuric Acid & Is It Dangerous?
Sulfuric acid is a strong, corrosive chemical that is commonly found in car battery acid, some detergents, chemical munitions (weapons), fertilizers, and some toilet bowl cleaners, according to Mount Sinai. Sulfuric acid poisoning can also be called battery acid poisoning, hydrogen sulfate poisoning, and other names.
Common symptoms of sulfuric acid poisoning include severe pain on contact, while symptoms from swallowing may also include:
- Breathing difficulty due to throat swelling
- Burns in the mouth and throat
- Drooling
- Fever
- Rapid development of low blood pressure (shock)
- Severe pain in the mouth and throat
- Speech problems
- Vomiting, with blood
- Vision loss
Symptoms from breathing in the poison may include:
- Bluish skin, lips, and fingernails
- Breathing difficulty
- Body weakness
- Chest pain (tightness)
- Choking
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms from skin or eye contact may include:
- Skin burning, drainage, and pain
- Eye burning, drainage, and pain
- Vision loss
Were You Or Someone You Know Exposed To The Hurricane Harbor Splashtown Chemical Leak?
If you or someone you know was exposed to the dangerous chemical leak that occurred at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, it may be worth your time to speak with the experienced team of lawyers at the Weycer Law Firm. We’ll listen to your situation, ask questions and help you understand whether or not you should seriously consider pursuing a claim.
You can request your free consultation by contacting us online or by calling (713) 668-4545.