Investigation underway into chemical storage at New Mexico Highlands University after death

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) – An investigation is underway into hazardous chemical storage at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. It comes after the death last week of a school custodian who worked in the Ivan Hilton Science Building.

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“It’s far too soon to make any kind of conclusion,” said Bob Genoway, Bureau Chief at New Mexico OSHA.

On July 16, New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) received complaints about a strong chemical smell coming from building. A faculty member, and two custodians removed and cleaned the cooler that emitted the smell. Two months later, there was another report of a strong chemical odor coming from the building.

“The potential health effects from this particular chemical are mostly related to either by injection, or inhalation,” said Srikanth Paladugu, Bureau Chief, Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau.

The chemical that was found to be leaking the second time was dimethylamine hydrochloride. Experts say it’s not used often, and can cause irritation.

“Even by contact, it can be an irritant of the skin and if it enters the eyes, it can also cause irritation in the eyes,” Paladugu said.

Following the incidents, the state’s Environment Department launched an investigation to determine what caused the leaks. Part of that investigation includes looking into the death of a custodian who worked in the building at the time. However, it’s unclear at this point if that chemical leak played a role in his death.

“Whether the worker that died was exposed to any chemicals in the workplace, at this time, that information will be incoming for some period of time,” Genoway explained.

Authorities said it could be months until a conclusion is reached. They’ll spend the next few months speaking with witnesses, and examining safety, policy, and storage protocols.

“Our purpose is to make sure that both, that employees are protected at the facility, as well as determining whether there were violations and holding the employer accountable,” Paladugu added.

The university said they are waiting for air quality testing, and approval from state and local authorities before the building will reopen.

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