Noxious Fumes Affect Operations at VCU Medical Center

By Anne Buckley

Non-toxic fumes from industrial holding basins in downtown Richmond on Friday sickened several workers at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and forced a halt to all non-emergency surgical procedures. 

Keith Vida, spokesman for the Richmond Fire Department, said a load of sludge that was being treated at a company near Valley and Hospital streets combined with the heavy rain to emit a noxious odor. High winds carried the fumes throughout Downtown. The offending sludge has been removed, Vida said.

The VCU Medical Center limited outside air-intake circulation to most of the hospital. Some staff members were evaluated in the emergency department for headaches and nausea. They were treated and released. No serious injuries were reported. In addition, hospital officials rescheduled elective surgeries and remain open for emergency procedures. The emergency department is fully operational.

City officials say the fumes are expected to subside when the rain does.

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