When many think of cheerleaders they picture young women in pleated skirts holding pompoms, reciting a cheer. The reality however is that many of today's cheerleaders are serious athletes who practice long hours to compete in competitions.

Injuries in cheerleading competitions are not uncommon. The routines the teams create sometimes include dangerous moves. As a result, competitions often result in injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident, it may be necessary for the person to go to the hospital.

Participants in a Pennsylvania cheerleading competition at a high school this past Sunday ended up in area emergency rooms. The group did not seek medical assistance for strained muscles or broken bones however. Instead, they were seeking relief for eye irritation. Spectators attending the competition were also injured and sought medical assistance.

The eye irritation was reportedly due to gas that was released around 7:00 a.m., when a sodium light fixture in the auditorium broke. The release of the dangerous chemical caused the eye irritation.

The incident resulted in hazardous materials crews being called to the school. Those who went to the ER were initially quarantined. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security was made aware of the situation.

It is not clear if the injuries sustained were severe, but reports indicate that dozens of individuals who were present at Sunday's competition were still seeking medical treatment the following day. If the injuries result in long-term damage, those who were injured may be able to seek financial compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: myfoxphilly.com, "Light Fixture Accident Hurts Cheerleaders," Dec. 5, 2011