Eight people hospitalised after chemical leak at Melbourne Airport

Eight people have been treated by paramedics after being exposed to hydrofluoric acid at Melbourne Airport.

Emergency services were called to the airport around 9.30am after receiving reports of a “chemical incident”, Ambulance Victoria Regional Health Commander Jon Byrne has confirmed.

It's understood airport staff working in the cargo area sounded the alarm after noticing damaged boxes containing hydrofluoric acid.

"Two ambulances, an ambulance bus, an ambulance vehicle with extra protective equipment and a health commander were sent to the airport," Mr Byrne said.

Mr Byrne said paramedics treated eight people at the scene.

A person who came in direct contact with the chemicals was taken to The Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

The other seven patients were taken to The Northern Hospital in stable conditions.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade told 9news.com.au it was assisting the airport with a "hazmat situation".

The area has been evacuated but it has not affected passengers.