Spilled bleaching chemical prompts evacuations at South L.A. business

A spilled chemical used for bleaching clothing prompted evacuations in South Los Angeles. 

Emergency crews were sent to the area of E. 60th street and S. Avalon Blvd. around 4:20 p.m. Friday.

The department says a pallet of benzoyl peroxide spilled in a business. Benzoyl peroxide is used for bleaching clothes. 

"Initial teams isolated the area and denied entry,'' LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange said. "The chemical off-gassing had the appearance of smoke from a fire.''

Thirty workers were evacuated from the business as well as people in nearby buildings. Luckily, no injuries were reported.

The fire department says the situation is under control and there is no threat to the public.