Five people became ill apparently from breathing noxious fumes in a factory Tuesday and were taken to a hospital, fire officials said.
Fire Chief Steve Kite said the workers at Hi-Tek Molders Inc., a plastic extruding firm at 909 Armstrong St., “were throwing up and had headaches.”
About seven people were evacuated from the building, including the five taken to hospitals, Kite said. Four were treated at Sherman Hospital in Elgin and released. It could not be immediately learned to what hospital the fifth person was taken.
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A hazardous materials technician from the Fire Department took readings of the air at the scene and found high levels of carbon monoxide and freon, Kite said.
The owner of the firm told fire officials that both a cooling device in the building, which uses freon, and the furnace had been repaired in the past, Kite said.
Firefighters aired out the building until it was safe to occupy. The owner was advised to check his equipment.