On Friday, authorities said more than a third of workers at a pharmaceutical packaging plant in eastern Pennsylvania were hospitalized due to a chemical odor.

Upper Macungie Township Police Department (UMTPD) said fire and emergency medical services personnel responded shortly after noon to reports that a Sharp Packaging Solutions employee was “experiencing nausea, vomiting, and a headache.” announced that the police had arrived. statement. Of the 154 employees, 54 were hospitalized.

Investigators, including fire and hazardous materials personnel, evaluated the premises and “no unusual readings were indicated,” UMTPD said.

UMTPD added, “At this time, the cause of the odor has not been determined,” and also indicated that it would update the public if new information comes to light.

Investigators looked for a gas leak but found nothing, local news station WFMZ reported. report. Some of the employees taken to the hospital were asymptomatic but chose to get tested beforehand. Some people reported feeling dry.

Ambulances from surrounding counties were also at the scene to help, WFMZ reported.(Related: Video purportedly shows man injecting chemicals into neighbor's house after noise complaint)

This situation has become clear to Sharp. According to Upper Mac Police, a total of 54 people were taken to hospitals with symptoms such as vomiting and headaches. The fire brigade investigated but found no gas leak, and the cause is still unknown.We will notify you of the latest information @69 News 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock pic.twitter.com/fCAherRota

— Rob Manch (@RobManch) February 23, 2024

According to WFMZ, a company spokesperson said in a statement that as a result of the incident, on-site production floors in the affected buildings were closed and evacuated, and affected employees were recuperating at local hospitals or at home. He said there was.

A company spokesperson said in part: “We deeply appreciate the quick and thorough response of local emergency services and are currently working closely with local authorities to investigate the source of the odor.”

“At this time, Sharp's Environmental Health and Safety Director and Facility Manager are working with local authorities to investigate and address the source of the odor. Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency's Special Operations Team is working to locate the area of ​​the collision. We conducted an extensive hazardous materials assessment and found no evidence of harmful chemicals or odors. According to WFMZ, we continue to communicate with local authorities and contact our employees if we have anything further to share. We will notify the public,” the spokesperson added.