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14 hospitalized in R.I. recycling plant hazmat

Workers suffered headaches, heart palpitations, skin irritation and breathing problems when a container holding an unknown chemical when through the shredder

The Associated Press

JOHNSTON, R.I. — A recycling facility in Johnston has been evacuated and some workers have been taken to hospitals after fumes from an unknown chemical were released.

It happened Wednesday morning at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp., when a container holding the unknown product went through a shredding machine.

Officials say workers complained of headaches, heart palpitations, skin irritation and breathing problems.

Fourteen people were sent to hospitals.

Firefighters from Johnston, North Providence and Warwick are on the scene.