TriCounty Health Department has reported exactly what sent multiple people at the Comfort Inn pool to the hospital last week in Vernal. During their investigation, TriCounty Health found that a broken chemical line resulted in a hydrogen chloride leak. “TriCounty Health Department has determined that those affected were exposed to hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid fumes. HCl gas can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The level of harm depends upon the dose and duration of exposure. Most people fully recover between 7-14 days after exposure. A short duration exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not likely to cause long-term effects.” TriCounty Health also shared that the first responders who arrived on scene quickly ventilated the area and moved people to safety. TriCounty Health shared their confidence that the measures taken were sufficient to protect the public. “At this time, the pool equipment has been repaired,” shares TriCounty Health, “and we anticipate the pool will be safe to reopen in the coming days, pending satisfactory water testing and equipment testing.”
