ANTIOCH — A carbon dioxide tank sprung a leak at a popular fried chicken chain restaurant early Monday, sickening one person and prompting a response from a hazardous materials team, a fire official said.
Medics summoned to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in the 5000 block of Lone Tree Way treated one person who was light-headed after the leak, Fire Marshal Robert Marshall of the Contra Costa Fire Protection District said. That person is expected to be OK.
Crews were called around 8:30 a.m.
Three employees were evacuated but it was unclear whether the one person treated was an employee or customer.
The tank is typical of ones found in most food restaurants that serve carbonated soda, Marshall said. Investigators have not determined whether the leak originated in the tank itself or in a hose to it. A county hazardous materials team also responded and ventilated the restaurant by using fans and opening doors.
According to an employee, the store remained closed at 1:30 p.m.
Too much carbon dioxide can cause a number of health problems, because it cuts off the oxygen supply to the blood, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Too much of it in the blood can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, rapid breathing and shortness of breath.
