SEATTLE -- Hazardous materials crews were called to the Pacific Science Center late Thursday morning for reports of an acid spill.

When crews arrived just before 9 a.m., they found 10 gallons of highly concentrated muriatic acid had spilled in the lower tunnels of the science center.

The acid is typically pumped into the center's ponds akin to chlorinating a pool to keep the water clear.

Hazmat crews used absorbent pads and soda ash to balance out the acid so it could be cleaned up. No one was injured.

The area where the spill occurred was not accessible to the public and the center hadn't opened yet anyway, so no patrons were affected.

The center opened at 10 a.m. as scheduled but Building 3 was off limits until the cleanup finished.

Muriatic acid is also often used to clean masonry or tile and is considered a potent chemical that is highly caustic. It can severely burn skin and cause permanent blindness if it gets into eyes.