Groton — A small amount of potassium hydroxide spilled Wednesday during routine maintenance on the USS Annapolis at the Naval Submarine Base.

According to a statement released by Cmdr. Tommy Crosby, public affairs officer with Submarine Force Atlantic, approximately one gallon of potassium hydroxide was spilled in the auxiliary machinery room aboard the Annapolis at Pier 33 at the sub base during maintenance to the ship’s atmosphere control equipment.

“There were no injuries reported. Eight sailors and one fireman were exposed to the potassium hydroxide at the scene and underwent chemical decontamination. They were subsequently sent to a local medical facility for observation as a precautionary measure. The small spill was contained within the submarine,” Crosby said in the statement.

All eight sailors treated for respiratory and skin exposures were released after treatment at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, Michael O’Farrell, hospital spokesman, said. The firefighter was also treated at L+M and released.

Numerous fire departments, including decontamination units from the region, responded to the scene. The incident was reported at about 10:30 a.m.

Bud Sangalli, director of the Connecticut Poison Control Center, said he believed the exposure occurred during use of chemicals to open drains. He was not certain about the exact type or extent of the exposure.

If the exposure is on the skin, the patients should be decontaminated immediately with lots of soap and water. Potassium hydroxide is caustic and can cause burns, Sangalli said.

If inhaled, patients should get fresh air immediately as exposure could cause shortness of breath, choking and lung injury.

“It depends on the concentration and extent of the exposure and how quickly they get decontamination and treatment,” he said.

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