EGLIN AFB, FL (RNN) - An explosion occurred on Eglin Air Force Base in the McKinley Climatic Lab a little before 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported.
The base said the explosion caused "no significant injuries," early that afternoon.
On its Facebook page, a base public information official said "the source of the smoke has been identified as methyl chloride."
About an hour later, the same Facebook page contradicted the first report, saying there had been no determination that the smoke contained methyl chloride, but the incident had occurred in close proximity to the chemical.
The smoke has since dispersed. An order for people near the base to shelter in place and turn off their air conditioners has been lifted.
Area hospitals and clinics have reported that nobody has come by for treatment as a result of the explosion.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health advises that the "most protective" respirators" be worn for methyl chloride at any detectable concentration as part of its carcinogen policy. The CDC lists it as a chemical that can be harmful in high concentrations.
The EPA advises that exposures to high levels of methyl chloride can have serious effects on the nervous system, including convulsions and coma. Other effects include dizziness, blurry or double vision, fatigue, personality changes, confusion, tremor and vomiting.
These symptoms develop after a few hours and may persist for months.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
