Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Graffiti cleanup triggers hazmat situation at NLV welfare office

NLV Odor Investigation

Steve Marcus

Evacuated employees wait in the parking lot during an odor investigation at the Nevada State Welfare Division Offices in North Las Vegas Tuesday Dec. 9, 2014.

Updated Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 | 9:15 p.m.

NLV Odor Investigation

Firefighters appear to take measurements during an odor investigation at the Nevada State Welfare Division Offices in North Las Vegas Tuesday Dec. 9, 2014. Launch slideshow »

Graffiti abatement work outside a state welfare office in North Las Vegas caused employees and visitors to complain of lightheadedness and other symptoms this afternoon, the North Las Vegas Fire Department said.

The department received a report about 12:45 p.m. of employees and visitors feeling nauseous and a strange smell at the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, located at 3223 W. Craig Road, Suite 140, near Simmons Street, Capt. Cedric Williams said.

The fire department's air quality tests indicated "something of concern," Williams said.

Officials believe fumes from a graffiti removal project done earlier in the day outside of the building were circulating within the office's air conditioning system, Williams said.

Five people complained of symptoms, and three were treated at the scene, he said. An adult woman who was treated at the scene was later transported to a local hospital, Williams said.

No other injuries were reported.

The office was closed until Wednesday to allow for the building to be ventilated, and employees were sent home, Williams said.

Fire officials left the scene just before 4 p.m., he said.

Buildings within 300 feet of the office were evacuated during the air quality investigation, as was the parking lot, Williams said.

There were no major traffic closures in the area.

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