One injured in hazmat incident at SEIRMC-WB campus

WEST BURLINGTON - A formaldehyde chemical spill was reported in the Surgery Department (OR) at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC), West Burlington, at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. 
The West Burlington Fire Department was contacted to assist the SEIRMC hazmat team in cleaning up and neutralizing the spill and mitigating any further risk of exposure.
Formaldehyde, in the form of formalin, is an inert chemical used for tissue preservation in the OR.  The room where the spill occurred has been made unavailable for use. No patients were exposed to the chemical.  One employee did suffer an exposure and was immediately treated in the Emergency Department. Patient and employee safety are our top priority.   Great River Health appreciates the support and response of the West Burlington Fire Department, West Burlington Police Department, and the Des Moines County Local Emergency Planning Committee.