DHL Leizen Center Evacuated After Worker Reports Hazardous Exposure

Overview

• A female package worker reported symptoms to police, and emergency responders began a specialist hazardous-material operation at the DHL logistics center in Leizen on Tuesday.
• More than 20 employees were evacuated as a precaution and normal operations at the site were halted while police and fire specialists carry out on-site testing.
• Authorities say the suspicious material was found on or inside a parcel and the affected worker is receiving medical treatment; investigators are treating mercury as a possible explanation but have not confirmed it.
• The response follows a separate weekend incident in the same state where specialist firefighters in Hamburg confirmed mercury in an online-ordered flower delivery and two people received medical care.
• If tests confirm mercury, officials expect wider health and cleanup steps because mercury vapors can cause long-term damage to the brain, lungs and kidneys and require specialist decontamination and monitoring.