Unknown substance sickens workers at 911 center

Summary

Dozens of fire and medic units were sent to a Seattle police precinct building at 810 Virginia after reports of an unknown substance on the floor and a half-dozen workers with watery eyes. One person had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

Story Published: Nov 24, 2008 at 1:35 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 24, 2008 at 4:25 PM PST

Unknown substance sickens workers at 911 center
SEATTLE -- Dozens of fire and medic units were sent to a building in Downtown Seattle Monday afternoon after reports of a strong smell that made some feel dizzy.

The call went out at 1:13 p.m. to the building at 810 Virginia Street, which houses a precinct for the Seattle Police Department and a 911 call center.

Seattle fire spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen says there was a substance on the floor and a half-dozen workers reported watery eyes and other respiratory complaints.

Most of the workers were treated at the scene, but one person was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, said Seattle police spokesman Mark Jamieson.

Jamison says the precinct station was not evacuated and 911 service was not affected.

Investigators don't know what the substance was, but have ruled out pepper spray.

The large response had blocked several streets in the vicinity of the building for more than half an hour.