Chemical leak causes sickness at public library

Napier Public Library was evacuated and three people taken to hospital after chemical fumes caused vomiting and breathing problems yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the library at 2.50pm when fumes from a concrete sealant being used in the roof entered the building, central fire communications shift manager Belinda Beets said.

"It did affect some of the staff members there, causing a range of symptoms from vomiting to respiratory and skin irritations."

The library was evacuated and three people were taken to hospital for treatment, she said.

Once the building had been ventilated the library was reopened about 3.40.

The Labour Department said officials would be investigating the incident.

- NZPA