About 150 gallons spilled inside the trailer as the truck exited the freeway and the load shifted. The area around the spill was sealed off as hazardous materials crews worked to dam the liquid and clean up the tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, which is used to etch silicon. The liquid leaked into three storm drains that feed into the creek. According to Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, the chemical reached the waterway. TVFR reports that tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide can cause skin irritation and redness.
Major exposure can cause burns.
If inhaled, the fumes can cause slight respiratory problems. Two firefighters, responding to the spill in full protective clothing and breathing apparatus, reported signs of heat exhaustion and were treated at Meridian Park Hospital. Crews hoped to have the area around the Carmen Drive exit off Interstate 5 open in time for the evening commute. Copyright 2001 by Channel 6000 . All rights reserved.