White powder identified after going airborne, sending 14 to hospital at Caldwell County facility

LENOIR, N.C. (WBTV) - Hazmat crews identified the white powder that became airborne as employees opened boxes at a Caldwell County facility on Monday, sending 14 workers to the hospital.

The situation unfolded on Monday, Nov. 9, during normal operations at Prime Recycling on Watson Street in Lenoir. Two days later, officials identified the substance as urea, which they said is nonhazardous and commonly used in skincare products.

“We’re working with the hazmat team to ensure we have a complete understanding of their findings,” a Prime Recycling spokesperson said. “Once we confirm everything, we will share an update as appropriate.”

Fire officials said workers had trouble breathing after being exposed to the urea while opening boxes at the facility. Lina Lemus, HR department manager at Prime Recycling’s Lenoir facility, said that after employees saw and reported the substance, they stopped operations, evacuated the building, and called 911.

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Public Safety officials examined 22 people at the facility, and 14 were taken to UNC Caldwell for further evaluation. An urgent care clinic in Burke County was also placed on lockdown after an employee went there for treatment.

“The health and safety of our employees comes first,” Lemus said. “We are relieved to report that every employee who was evaluated has been cleared and released.”

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Lemus said the facility reopened Tuesday after hazmat officials deemed it safe to resume operations. Officials suspended Monday’s second and third shifts as a precaution.