(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A sanitation worker is in critical condition after being severely burned by sulfuric acid on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), crews responded around noon on Wednesday to a call regarding a potential exposure to an unknown substance in the 2400 block of North Chelton Road, just south of Palmer Park. An investigation later determined that the sanitation worker was exposed to liquid sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive chemical.

The sanitation worker was airlifted to a hospital in Denver with significant burns and is in critical condition, CSFD said.

Hazmat crews are remaining on the scene to further clean up the area, and City Stormwater crews are on scene to test a nearby drain as a precaution.

CSFD reminds the public to never dispose of any chemicals in trash cans, where they can harm you, your family, sanitation workers, first responders, and the community. Chemicals must be properly disposed of at chemical waste facilities.