Chemical spill at FedEx facility sends 1 to hospital, prompts evacuation, DeKalb fire officials say [Video]

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A FedEx facility in DeKalb County has been evacuated after a chemical spill Thursday morning, fire department officials said.

An employee driving a forklift punctured a container of organic peroxide, spilling an estimated 300 to 500 gallons at the freight point off Thurmand Road in Conley. The building was evacuated and an employee was taken to the hospital with minor breathing problems, according to the fire department.

Organic peroxides are derived from hydrogen peroxide and have many uses, including in product packaging and sanitation. The highly flammable compounds can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs and cause nausea or dizziness when someone is directly exposed.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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