These dangerous chemicals were stolen from Waikato Hospital. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Three bottles of a dangerous chemical have been stolen from Waikato Hospital, and police want the public's help tracking them down.
Three 500mL opaque bottles of a chemical known as 'pickling paste' were allegedly stolen some time between 23 December and 10 January.
The chemical burns skin, can cause blindness if it makes contact with a person's eyes, and can even cause bones to degrade, police said.
Used in the welding industry, pickling paste is an acid etching gel that can be brushed onto stainless steel welds to reduce the appearance of discolouration.
Police said it is possible the offenders do not know what they have stolen, and are warning of the potential dangers.
Anyone who has information on the theft or the whereabouts of the chemicals, contact police on 105 and reference file number 230110/5099.
