8 treated after hydrochloric acid spill in Saskatoon

Eight people had to be treated for breathing problems aftera largehydrochloric acid spillin the 800 block of 50th Street in Saskatoon'snorth end.

They were checked over by ambulance crews, but officials said that none of the eight had to be taken to hospital.

• What are the dangers of hydrochloric acid?

Some buildings nearby were also evacuated as a precaution, according to CBC reporters at the scene. But it's unclear exactly how many people were asked to leave the immediate area.

A 9-1-1 call came inaround 9:15 a.m. CST fromPounderEmulsions,which is a division of Husky Oil. As much as 10,000 litres of hydrochloric acid may have spilled at the site.Clean up of the site will begin this evening.

Police blocked off the areaand urgedthe public to stay away.Roadblocks wentupatWentz and Cleveland Avenues on 50thand 51st Streets.

Police said it could be early afternoon before the area reopens to traffic.

Hydrochloric acid is aclear liquid, poisonous and highly corrosive.

The U.S National Institutes of Healthsaid that the symptoms of poisoning from breathinghydrochloric acid include choking, coughing up blood, dizziness, rapid pulse and shortness of breath.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the chemical should seek immediate medial attention.

Cleaning up

The Saskatoon Fire Department said clean-up will start later this evening, but businesses in the area will remain closed as a precaution.

The crews expect to work on cleaning up from 8:00 CST tomidnight, and will evaluate progress at that point.

CBC'sRachel Bergen is tweeting from the scene. View her tweets below.

• On mobile? View the tweets here.