Workers assessed after Cairns chemical spill

Authorities have declared a Cairns industrial estate safe, after a chemical spill sparked an emergency operation this morning.

Police declared an emergency situation after two men unearthed a toxic chemical at the estate at Hartley Street, Portsmith, about 9am.

Workers were assessed by paramedics and nearby businesses were evacuated after the underground canister released fumes into the air.

Authorities have worked to clear the site and have since declared the area safe.

No one was physically injured during the incident, the Queensland Police Service said in a statement.