Worker Passes Out From 'Syrup-Like' Smell At NJ Postal Facility
By Steve Beck
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- One employee passed out and 11 others felt nauseous after a "syrup-like" odor was detected at a mail distribution center in New Jersey Friday morning, officials said.
The incident happened at about 9:50 a.m. at the United States Postal Service facility on Route 130 in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.
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According to a USPS spokesperson, a worker was preparing mail for delivery when he passed out from a "strong, sweet odor." The worker has since regained consciousness and did not need to be hospitalized.
Eleven other workers were examined after feeling nauseous, but none of them were hospitalized.
Officials say 13 total workers are being evaluated on site and all are in stable condition.
The odor, according to workers, was "syrup-like."
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The Hamilton Township hazmat team swept the building and tested the air, but nothing out of the ordinary was detected.
Officials say the United States Postal Carrier Annex is not accessible by the general public.
The source of the original odor remains unknown.
A hazmat team from the New Jersey State Police has been called to the scene to investigate the odor.
Officials say no spills or leaks were detected.
All mail at the facility had previously passed bio-hazard screening, so customers should not be worried about opening mail, USPS officials said.
Workers were allowed back in a portion of the building at about 12:30 p.m.
Officials say operations, including mail delivery service, will continue as normal.
The incident remains under investigation.