At least 54 people fell ill from noxious fumes at a Bohemia business that refurbishes cell phones on Thursday afternoon.
A Bohemia Fire Department spokesman said firefighters responded to CWG Communications on Wilbur Place at 12:30 p.m. and found some people passed out both inside and outside the building.
Investigators believe upon initial review that the fumes were released when cleaning chemicals were mixed, the spokesman said.
Those affected were treated for symptoms including difficulty breathing, fainting, convulsions and vomiting.
Five were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue, 11 to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, 13 to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip and 25 to Stony Brook University Medical Center. All fifty-four were stabilized.
Seven fire departments assisted Bohemia firefighters in evacuating the building and getting the scene under control.
Suffolk County police Arson Squad detectives, Town of Islip Fire Marshalls and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the cause of the incident.
