On Thursday, one day after a chemical leak forced everyone to evacuate, the employees at one of the largest sweet corn producers in the world returned to work. The incident happened Wednesday morning at Pioneer Growers in Belle Glade.
Vice President of the company Stewart Mann said they evacuated nearly 200 workers from the building when the chemical first leaked. "Of course, you're nervous for the safety and well-being of not only our employees but the community," he said, adding that some of the people returned to work the next day, but they all had the option to stay home.
The chemical leaked was chlorine dioxide. According to Mann, chlorine dioxide is a level one chemical, meaning toxicity levels are low. In 75 years of business, Mann said this is the first incident they’ve had.
