14 Hospitalized Due to Irritant
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CANOGA PARK — Fourteen employees of a Canoga Park telephone service were hospitalized after they complained of respiratory problems caused by an unknown irritant in their office building, Los Angeles City Fire Department officials said Sunday.
Four engine companies and four ambulances responded to 6203 Variel Ave. at 8:30 p.m. Saturday as a hazardous materials team investigated what caused complaints of sore throats, difficulty with breathing and nausea.
Investigators were unable to locate the cause of the problem, said Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells. One woman and 13 men were treated at nearby hospitals and released. They were able to return to the building about an hour after the incident, Wells said.
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