Created: 1/30/2006 11:30:39 AM 
By First Coast News Staff
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- An explosion at a Southside company sent eight people to the hospital and another forty people through decontamination.
The explosion happened Monday morning at Unison Industries, located at 7575 Baymeadows Way. Unison, according to its website, manufactures aviation equipment.
"We believe one cylinder of gas may have exploded," said Unison spokesperson Wayne Moles. The cylinder contained Krypton gas.
Jacksonville Fire & Rescue spokesperson Tom Francis says the explosion led to the release of a radioactive material, which firefighters detected as they gave emergency aid to the victims.
Francis said the radiation level is similar to what is found in a single x-ray, which is not life-threatening, or a threat to other employees and the general public.
The Unison building was evacuated Monday afternoon. Firefighters say there was no need for any additional evacuation measures in the vicinity of the explosion.
Firefighters say at least forty people possibly became exposed to the low-level radiation. All underwent decontamination measures as a precaution. No one became exposed to an unhealthy level of radiation.
Decontamination is a two part process, starting with a dry decontamination check. Hazmat teams remove the clothing of the victim who is then scanned for radiation.
If the person needs additional radiation treatment, they'll undergo what's called a wet decontamination, which essentially involves a wash-down.
Unison took employees with high blood pressure or a heart condition prior to this incident to the hospital for further evaluation once they passed through decontamination.
Firefighters responded with a Level 3 response, due to the volume of individuals involved.
First Coast News reporters at the scene counted at least fourteen ambulances and almost as many fire trucks at the scene.
"This is one of those interagency activities that we're always very proud of to see it come off this way," said Francis.
The Red Cross was also on scene, providing food and counseling to those impacted by the explosion.
"Sometimes they need people to talk to, and that's why our mental health counselors are here," said Red Cross spokeswoman Christian Smith.
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