Workers discover suspected arsenic, four hospitalized

Four workers with Exodus Moving and Storage discovered vials labeled as arsenic and mercury as they unpacked a 13-year-old, previously unopened storage trailer Thursday afternoon.

One of the workers opened the vial labeled arsenic, which contained a white, powdery substance. At least one of the workers was exposed to the substance, but at first none of the four showed symptoms of being sick. However, one worker began to feel unwell, so all four underwent decontamination before being transported to Poudre Valley Hospital as a precautionary measure, said PFA battalion Chief Ron Simms.

They were unpacking the trailer at Centennial Livestock Auctions, 113 NW Frontage Rd., to prepare the items within the trailer for auction. The woman who owned the trailer ceased making payments two years ago, and Exodus management's contacts went unanswered, said Carrie Levy, Exodus director of business development. When that happens, the company auctions off the items and donates the proceeds to local non-profit organizations. The woman had originally stored the trailer in 2003 and had not returned to open the trailer since.

Poudre Fire Authority responded to a service call about 12:45 p.m. to advise about proper disposal of the vials. PFA's hazardous materials crew was then dispatched to the scene once they learned that possible exposure to arsenic had occurred, PFA spokeswoman Madeline Noblett said. A contractor with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment conducted tests to determine the identity of the substances, but the results of those tests have not yet been released.

PFA worked in conjunction with the health department to decontaminate the area and contain the substances. Health department workers remained on scene to aid in the cleanup.

"If you're working around any kind of chemicals or you see something suspicious — say a family member passes away and you're going through the garage and cleaning stuff out — don't open it," Simms said.

Levy said the company doesn't allow explosives, firearms, liquids or hazardous materials to be held in its storage facilities, but these vials were tucked out of sight. According to a PFA press release, workers found the vials beneath a sheet of butcher paper. She said she would look for guidance from the health department to reassess storage policies in the future.