Fallen can of insect killer sickens 19 people at Deptford Walmart
The fumes caused by the spray prompted a large hazmat response.
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Fumes from a can of flying insect killer that fell beneath a shelving unit at a Deptford Township Walmart sent 19 people to the hospital and sickened others Tuesday.
The incident was first reported on Sept. 1 at 4:15 p.m. at the Walmart on Cooper Street when unidentified fumes prompted emergency officials to evacuate the store. Following an investigation, Gloucester County Emergency Management determined that the cause of the fumes was an aerosol canister of Hot Shot Flying Insect Killer that fell off a shelf, damaging the cap and spray mechanism and causing the fumes to spread.
"Following an overnight deep cleaning of the store, while the store remained closed to customers, store personnel located the empty canister beneath a shelf," Gloucester County OEM said in a statement.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage and determined that the canister was the source of the fumes, but there was "no evidence of malicious intent."
As a result of the incident, emergency medical personnel evaluated several people who were in the store, transporting 19 victims to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Other individuals also sought medical treatment on their own that evening.
OEM officials say the product's Safety Data Sheet lists multiple hazards associated with exposure to the insect spray including eye and skin irritation and harmful effects if the spray is inhaled or swallowed. The OEM I also advising anyone who was in the store at the time and develops any symptoms to seek medical attention.
