Mystery powder at Lenoir recycling center identified as urea

Authorities identified urea as the mystery powder at Prime Recycling in Lenoir that sent more than a dozen employees to the hospital on Monday with symptoms matching exposure to the chemical from inhalation.

Urea is a common substance used in fertilizers, said Asheville Fire Department Chief of Special Operations Wesley Rogers, and can be purchased in stores.

The incident initially caused alarm when a handful of employees exposed to an unknown white powder on top of a box at the recycling center began experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Caldwell County EMS was called just before 11 a.m. on Monday. The facility was then evacuated as more employees began suffering from the same symptoms.

A total of 22 employees were affected. Prime Recycling’s statement said 13 went to the hospital. One chose to seek medical care at Fast Track Urgent Care on Burkemont Avenue in Morganton, exposing several staff members who were then taken to the hospital for nausea and headaches.

Prime Recycling’s statement, issued by HR Department Manager Lina Lemus, said that, out of an abundance of caution, the company suspended its second and third Monday shifts.

By 4:35 p.m. on Monday, the State Hazardous Materials team from Asheville Fire Department deemed the site safe to resume operations, Lemus said. Prime Recycling reopened Tuesday morning.

The incident was determined unsuspicious by Tuesday morning, said Lenoir Fire Chief Norman Staines.

Prime Recycling is located on Watson Street Northwest just off N.C 18. It is close to the Caldwell County Social Services and Sheriff’s office building in west Lenoir.

Responding agencies included Lenoir Fire Department, Caldwell County Emergency Services, Caldwell County Emergency Management, Asheville Rapid Response Team, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).