Odor Forces Evacuation of Holland/New Library

PULLMAN, Wash. — Public safety officials evacuated the Holland/New Library on the Washington State University campus Monday morning in response to reports of an intense, ammonia-like odor near the main circulation desk.

The library opened this morning at 7:30 a.m. Staff members and patrons did not report any sign of the odor until shortly before the evacuation. Fire officials responded at 8:41 a.m.

Three people were taken to Pullman Memorial Hospital as a precautionary measure. By noon Monday, one had been treated and released and two others remained under observation. Paramedics at the scene treated about 10 other people for breathing difficulties.

Firefighters who entered the building following the evacuation found that the odor had dissipated and did not find a substance that would have created it. A carpeting project has been underway in the Holland/New Library for the past several weeks, but officials did not believe the odor was related to that project.

Investigation is continuing on the cause of the problem. The building was thoroughly ventilated and was reopened at noon.