By John DesRivieres |
Posted: Fri 1:58 PM, Aug 05, 2016 |
Updated: Fri 3:52 PM, Aug 05, 2016
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW)-- 7 people were hospitalized after fumes from a chemical sealant seeped into the ventilation system at the Wausau Veteran's Affairs outpatient clinic Friday morning, according to VA Public Affairs Officer Matthew Gowan.
All Seven people were employees of the clinic.
Each was treated for minor inhalation issues at a local hospital and later discharged.
Battalion Chief Allan Antolik tells NewsChannel 7 the Wausau Fire Department responded around 11 a.m. and evacuated the building after several people reported having trouble breathing.
Antolik says a work crew was spraying concrete sealer outside of the building and the fumes spread into the ventilation system.
The fire department ventilated the building and used a meter to check for chemical levels.
Around noon, the building was deemed safe and it was turned back over to clinic staff.
Gowan says the clinic continued to take patients Friday afternoon.
The seven employees have been given an authorized absence and have the rest of the day off.