Paint fumes shut down Caverns

[NMDemDist2]

Source: Carlsbad Current Argus

CARLSBAD — Heavy fumes from a paint coating on newly installed rails in the elevator shaft at Carlsbad Caverns National Park caused several employees to become ill and resulted in the park's 2 p.m. closure Monday.

Park Superintendent John Benjamin said it is unclear whether the closure will continue through today. Those planning to visit the caverns today should call the park's information line at [phone] before driving to the park.

Benjamin said the contractor working on renovation of the elevators that take visitors 750 feet below ground to view the cave formations apparently used some type of solvent to clean the rails that is now giving off heavy fumes.

"The contractor started the work last Monday (July 16) and there was a faint smell. But this passed Sunday morning, the odor was overpowering," Benjamin explained. "It lingered, causing all types of problems for our employees. We had four that had bad headaches. We vented the place. But the vapors accumulated were heavier than air. Then today (July 23), we thought everything would be fine. But it wasn't. The strong fumes were present and more employees got sick. We closed the caverns to prevent visitors in the lobby from getting sick."

Read more: http://www.currentargus.com/ci_21141481/paint-fumes-shut-down-caverns

[oldhippydude]

1. what about the bats

and other wild life?

[Katashi_itto]

2. The Shaft leads directly to the main cavern cont

The wildlife tends to be centered near the mouth of the cave complex, about a mile away give or take. The elevator shaft opens to the BIG and I mean really BIG main known cave, lots of Carlsbad is still unexplored. The fumes likely didn't affect the wildlife. I used to live an hour away from Carlsbad and would go explore all the lesser caves all the time.

[NMDemDist2]

10. bats are a concern for sure. most of them live up high close to surface

but there are a few small colonies deep in the cavern that may be affected.

[yesphan]

3. Well, that sucks.

I was the there a few days ago for the first time. My nephew and I walked out from the bottom in 28 minutes.
Went back that evening to watch the batflight.


http://rvtripsdabkowski.com/id8.html

[NMDemDist2]

8. nice shots!

but that pic of bat flight could have cost you $500

no cameras are allowed there.....

[_ed_]

4. This is why natural places

should be kept natural. Remove the stairs and require visitors to rappel in or gain access to the caverns in another way. Reduce trash, reduce tourists, provide a natural experience for those with the right skills.

[NMDemDist2]

6. it's been a Park since 1931

already millions and millions of people have done the damage.

thankfully, CCNP has many many other caves they are researching and protecting

http://giantcrystals.strahlen.org/america/lechuguilla.htm

[ChazII]

9. Sadly,

many people who are wheel chair bound would be unable to see the caverns. You're right about the reduction in tourists and trash. We do need to put the planet before our wants.

[hunter]

11. Undisturbed caves deserve aggressive protection...

... even from people with "the right skills."

Must we, as humans, get our fingerprints on everything? I don't think so.

Long-developed caves like Carlsbad remind people why other caves are worth protecting, especially people who haven't got "the right skills" or the physical ability to visit less developed places.

[tawadi]

5. Yeah, not much ventilation in a cave

[NMDemDist2]

7. actually the Big Cave at CCNP exchanges it's entire air supply every 30+ hours or so

the 60 foot arch over the entrance allows massive convection air flow

[tawadi]

12. Didn't know that. thanks