Dozens In Queens Fall Ill From Mysterious Odor

By: NY1 News

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More than two dozen people fell ill Wednesday afternoon, as a mysterious smell permeated a Queens neighborhood for a second day in a row.

Tenants of a Long Island City office building were evacuated twice Tuesday because an odor was making people sick. Symptoms included eye watering, vomiting, dizziness, and respiratory ailments.

The smell returned again Wednesday, forcing a hazardous material team to return to the building and treat the victims.

"People was getting sick they was throwing up, and they took some people to the hospital," said one worker.

"Right now my eyes are burning, I got headaches, you know," said another.

Fifty-four people received medical treatment on the scene. No one was transported to the hospital and there was no official evacuation of the building.

"Our hazmat team metered the entire building inside and out and we found there were no serious fumes," said FDNY Chief Charles Lamberta. "The building's clear, but we treated the people for their symptoms, and everyone, I think, is returning to work."

First Transit, a company contracted by MTA that works in the affected building, sent out a memo to employees Wednesday saying they received assurances from authorities that there is no danger in and around the building. The company required everyone to return to work.

"They should evacuate the building and send us all home, that's what they should do," said a First Transit worker.

The MTA said it cooperated with the investigation and is concerned about the safety of its employees.

Fire officials believe the odor is coming from an excavation site in Amtrak's Sunnyside Rail Yards, located behind the building. Work was underway there to correct longterm contamination in the soil and groundwater.

The state's Department of Environmental Conservation issued a stop-work order for the site until a plan is submitted that deals with the odor problems. Amtrak also administered a foam to suppress the odors.

Local Councilman Eric Gioia said all parties involved need to keep a close eye on the situation.

"As the excavation continues long term, there are simple steps that can be taken to protect the surrounding community," said Gioia.

People in the area hoped they smelled the last of the irritating odor.