One taken to hospital after toxic chemicals dumped

Firefighters went to the centre to neutralise the acid. Photo / NZPA

One person has been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties after toxic chemicals were dumped at a refuse and recycling centre in the Auckland suburb of Avondale today.

The concentrated nitric acid began smoking and giving off toxic fumes after it was dumped among rubbish at the Envirowaste refuse and recycling plant in Patiki Rd.

Firefighters, including the hazardous materials appliance crew, went to the centre to neutralise the acid.

Fire Service shift manager Jaron Phillips said one member of the public complained of breathing difficulties and inhalation problems from the fumes and was taken to hospital.

"It has been smoking. It has been dumped in a pile of rubbish," he said.

- NZPA