Ohio offices evacuated because of a suspicious odor

COLUMBUS (AP) — Authorities say a suspicious odor from an envelope mailed to an Ohio agency caused the evacuation of a Columbus office building.

Fire department spokesman David Whiting says nine people complained of eye and nose irritation, but their symptoms cleared once they got fresh air.

Workers waited outside the building for about 90 minutes this morning as emergency crews investigated the scene. The envelope was opened in a fourth-floor office of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Whiting said workers complained of a peppery, toner-like smell. He was not certain of the envelope’s contents but says there was no powder inside, as initially reported.

Whiting said the envelope will be examined by the Columbus Health Department.