A HazMat team from Pikeville was called to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Monday afternoon due to a strong odor coming from their vents.

A few employees said it was burning their sinuses and making them lightheaded. The smell was so strong, it even caused one woman’s nose to bleed. The woman apparently passed out at least once as she was taken to the hospital where she was admitted.

The office was closed and everyone was vacated from the building for safety reasons. Employees in the courthouse said they noticed a smell as well, so the Martin County Government Center building also shut down.

Officials say similar incidents have happened a few times in the past due to air conditioning issues.

Pike County Emergency Management helped the department search for the origin of the odor, but the group was unable to verify any obvious issues. The building was cleared and is expected to re-open Tuesday, September 24th.