2 Hospitalized, More Patients Expected After Sub Base Hazmat Situation in Groton

[Cadfael]

Source: NBC Connecticut local

Two people have been hospitalized and more patients are expected after a hazardous material incident at Sub Base New London in Groton,  according to a hospital spokesman.

Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London is treating two patients in connection to the incident at the U.S. Navy submarine base, according to Michael O'Farrell, spokesman, for the hospital. Information was not immediately available on what the patients are being treated for that required hospitalization. The hospital is expecting more people to be brought in due to the hazmat situation.

The New London Fire Department responded to the incident and the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company did, as well, according to the Associated Press.

Christopher Zendan, base spokesman, told the AP that the hazmat incident is contained to one of the base's submarines.



Read more: http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Haz-Mat-Crews-Respond-Sub-Base-in-New-London-296729221.html

[bluedigger]

1. At least it was just a chemical spill.

"Commander Tommy Crosby said sailors aboard a submarine were exposed to potassium hydroxide while performing routine maintenance and the spill was contained aboard the submarine."

I was worried for a second that they had an "incident" with a reactor.

[ismnotwasm]

3. Do you know?

Or are you just trying to make some kind of point?

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. The OP is a direct quote from an article, not the author

[ismnotwasm]

6. I saw it as him quoting from the article.

And expressing relief it was not nuclear, as most of us do NOT know about submarines whatsoever

[cyberswede]

7. There's nothing in that post the claims "in depth knowledge" submarine reactor maintenance.

[cyberswede]

9. Or...if there WERE trouble with the reactor, the article would have mentioned it.

[cyberswede]

14. Sure, if that makes you happy.

[uppityperson]

10. Welcome to DU. I am curious about your name, would you explain it? Thanks.

It is a very interesting and different sort of name than what I typically see here.

[cyberswede]

12. Maybe he's a pirate

...with in depth knowledge of submarine maintenance.

[uppityperson]

13. Well, you know me. Always willing to welcome new posters and give them the benefit of the doubt. nt

[CANDO]

16. Well hell....

I'll say it...seems you came into our community all full of bullshit and bluster right from the get-go. Welcome to DU! And just a guess on my part....your stay will be short.

[bluedigger]

17. I hate it when I get trolled while I'm out of the house.

Seems like I missed some good stuff! Thanks for watching my back, DUers!

[jtuck004]

18. Uses of potassium...

From http://wanttoknowit.com/uses-of-potassium/

...
Almost all of the potassium in the world is used in fertilizers. As potassium ions are a vital part of plant nutrition, crops and trees must be grown in soil with high concentrations of potassium ions. Potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium nitrate are used in agriculture, horticulture and hydroponics.
Potassium chloride is used to stop the heart. This is used for heart surgery (where the heart is stopped and re-started) and lethal injections.
Rochelle salt, which contains potassium, is the main component in baking powder. It is also used to coat glass with silver.
Potassium bromate is added to flour to make it stronger and rise the dough better.
Another compound of potassium, potassium bisulfate, is used to preserve foods (except meats), wine and beer. It can also be used to bleach textiles and straw and can tan leather.
Submarines and spacecraft often contain the superoxide KO2. This supplies oxygen to the inhabitants of the submarine or spacecraft!
...

Why that last one deserved an exclamation I don't know, but there it is.