On Thursday morning, the Hamilton County Health Department was evacuated due to a “suspicious odor” that led to patients and employees feeling sick, dizzy, and lightheaded. Reports of the odor began around 9:45 am on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of the building with the assistance of the Chattanooga Police Department and Hamilton County Emergency Management.
The Chattanooga Fire Department has now provided an update stating that everyone has returned to the health department as of 10:45 am. Five people have been transported to the hospital due to a leak with air conditioning refrigerant. Some of the side effects of mild exposure to air conditioning refrigerant include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The fire department has confirmed that the entire building has been checked and deemed safe.
East 3rd Street is currently closed off between Palmetto Street and Hampton Street as a precaution. Local news crews at the scene have observed that staff at the health department are beginning to return to the building. It remains unclear if any other nearby buildings have been affected or required evacuations.
