A half-dozen people working in an Irvine trash recycling and waste management facility fell ill Friday and were taken to area hospitals with respiratory symptoms.

The facility at 16122 Construction Circle West was evacuated and a hazardous materials team summoned about 8 a.m., according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.

The workers were experiencing such symptoms as a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, Kurtz said.

By 11 a.m., the team had concluded its search and found no hazardous substances on site. But seven tear gas canisters, which likely triggered the symptoms, were later located, he said.

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— City News Service

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