2 Hanford workers checked for possible vapor exosure

TRI-CITIES, Wash. (AP) — Two more Hanford Nuclear Reservation workers have received medical evaluations for possible exposure to chemical vapors after reporting a suspicious odor.

The Tri-City Herald reports that both workers had symptoms Wednesday but were evaluated and released to return to work. A third worker who smelled the odor declined a medical evaluation.

The incident came a day after a federal judge ordered protections for Hanford workers, including a requirement that air respirators be worn inside the tank farms and no work be done to disturb waste unless necessary for safety reasons.

The workers affected Wednesday had been outside the AY-Tank Farm and not required to wear air respirators.

There are now 57 workers who have received medical evaluations for possible vapor exposure in recent months.