First responders evacuated the Hamilton County Health Department building on Third Street in Chattanooga on Thursday.
Five people were taken to the hospital, and firefighters found an air conditioning refrigerant leak inside, according to a news release from the Chattanooga Fire Department.
The evacuation shut down part of the street between Palmetto and Hampton streets for about an hour Thursday morning.
Around 9:40 a.m., 911 received reports of patients and employees feeling “sick, dizzy and lightheaded” and noticing a suspicious odor, according to the release.
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Hamilton County Health Department building evacuated, 5 hospitalized after apparent refrigerant leak
(READ MORE: Hamilton County eyes options for new Health Department building)
Nine patients were assessed by responders, the department said.
Fire, police and EMS responded to the building, as well as hazmat units.
The entire building had been checked and declared safe by 11 a.m., according to the fire department.
— Compiled by Ellen Gerst