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5 people fall ill after packages with unknown substance arrive at Laguna Hills dermatology clinic

by in News

Hazardous materials specialists investigated a pair of packages that were dropped of at a Laguna Hills dermatology clinic after employees reported falling ill on Monday, Sept. 9. No dangerous substances were found, but the investigation was continuing.

  • Firefighters don hazmat suits as they respond to a mysterious package or packages delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019. Five women who work at the business complained of burning in their eyes, nose and throat. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Firefighters don hazmat suits as they respond to a mysterious package or packages delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  • Firefighters don hazmat suits as they respond to a mysterious package or packages delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Firefighters don hazmat suits as they respond to a mysterious package or packages delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019.
    (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • A firefighter escorts five women who got sick when a mysterious package or packages were delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019. Five women who work at the business complained of burning in their eyes, nose and throat after receiving a package or packages. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Firefighters don hazmat suits as they respond to a mysterious package or packages delivered to a dermatology office in Laguna Hills, CA, on Monday, September 9, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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The items were delivered by an unmarked van to Halcyon Dermatology, 24431 Calle De La Louisa, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. John Muir said. A caller notified authorities at about 2:41 p.m., after five people reported experiencing headaches, dizziness and irritation to the nose and eyes. They were examined by paramedics at the scene and declined transportation to a hospital.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials determined that the packages were not explosive and did not pose an immediate threat to people in the area. Hazardous materials experts from the OCFA entered the building at about 5 p.m. to conduct further investigation.

Officials said their findings did not immediately detect the presence of any dangerous chemical or biological substances. Samples taken from the scene may have to be tested in a lab before officials learn what might have been inside the packages. People were allowed to reenter the clinic by about 6 p.m., Muir said.

Witnesses told investigators that the clinic had placed an order from an office supply company and staff were expecting a shipment of assorted powders on Monday, Muir said. The delivery that arrived was not supposed to contain any liquids, but employees at the clinic noticed that the boxes were leaking some type of fluid and giving off a foul odor.