Two men have been taken to hospital after they were overcome by chemical fumes in the Blue Mountains on Tuesday afternoon.
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The pair were trying to mix together chemicals to put in a backyard swimming pool in Faulconbridge when they combined several litres of hydrochloric acid with a large amount of chlorine.
Combining the two chemicals can produce toxic chlorine gas.
The men were quickly overcome with fumes and called an ambulance just before 2pm.
Paramedics treated the men at the house on Parr Parade for irritation to their airways before they were taken to Nepean Hospital, reportedly in a serious condition.
The street was evacuated and taped off by police while hazardous materials experts from Fire and Rescue NSW examined the chemicals.
Two workers donned orange jumpsuits and oxygen tanks before entering the backyard.
Superintendent Andrew Ticehurst from Fire and Rescue NSW said a mix of regular crews and hazmat specialists attended the home.
The chemicals were eventually tipped into the pool at the direction of a scientific advisor.
Nepean Hospital was unable to give an update on condition of the men on Tuesday afternoon.
