Powder sickens workers at Ringgold plant

By John Crane

Published: August 27, 2008

Two eToys employees were hospitalized Wednesday complaining of a burning sensation on their hands and wrists after being exposed to a white, powdery substance while unloading items at the company’s distribution center.

Nine employees were unloading baby seats from a tractor-trailer at the warehouse at eToys on Factory Lane when they spotted the substance in the trailer, Ringgold Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Neal said.

Two of the employees experienced itching and burning on their hands and wrists, but the others had no symptoms, he said.

Gigi Healy, eToys spokeswoman in Denver, said the two employees also experienced a burning sensation in their eyes but preliminary testing showed the substance was “benign.”

The Ringgold fire department received the call at 1:39 p.m.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsylvania County Fire Marshal and state Hazmat members also responded.

A Hazmat official decided seven of those exposed to the substance were OK and told them to go home, bathe and wash their clothes, Neal said.

He said the substance is being tested at a Virginia State Police lab.

Healy said she expected further test results to identify the substance today.

Charlotte-based Hucks Piggyback Service Inc. delivered the baby seats. Healy declined to identify the supplier.

She said the items were not unloaded and will not be distributed.

• Contact John R. Crane at or (434) 791-7987.