Three workers taken to hospital after fumes emerge from manhole in La Habra

LA HABRA — Three public works employees were hospitalized as a precaution Friday after they opened a manhole cover and inhaled fumes from what was later determined to be a degreasing solvent, authorities said.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works officials lifted the manhole cover about 9:20 a.m. at Euclid Avenue and Electric Avenue, Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Robert Cendejas said.
They smelled a strong odor and experienced shortness of breath, officials said. They were taken to a hospital for treatment as a precaution.
A hazardous material crew ultimately determined the chemical was some sort of degreasing solvent that had become concentrated in the area beneath the intersection, Cendejas said.
Exactly what the chemical was, or how it ended up concentrated in the were below Euclid Street, remained unclear, he added.
Nearby residents were advised to stay in their homes as firefighters dealt with the situation, Cendejas said, however no evacuations were ordered.
Officials remained at the scene for nearly two hours.

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