Smith said five people suffered more severe symptoms of headache and labored breathing. Twelve others experienced less severe symptoms. The accident, which happened at Maxim Integrated Products at about 8 p.m., involved chlorine and hydrogen bromide. The chlorine spill was contained within the plant and the building was not evacuated, Smith said. The leak apparently entered the building's ventilation system.
Chlorine gas is toxic and corrosive.
It can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems and headaches, and can be lethal in large doses. Hydrogen bromide is a toxic, colorless gas used in various chemical processes and is a strong eye and skin irritant. Details about the cause of the leak were not available Thursday night. The Maxim site in Beaverton is an integrated circuit design and manufacturing facility.