Fumes Empty Building 2nd Time in 2 Days

Forty-one people were treated for symptoms of exposure to fumes Thursday after more than 300 occupants of a nine-story, mid-Wilshire office building were evacuated for the second time in two days.

Ten Fire Department ambulances took 32 victims to several hospitals from the building at 4050 Wilshire Blvd. Others went to hospitals on their own, according to the Medical Alert Center at the County-USC Medical Center.

Experts Puzzled

Almost all of those examined were treated and released. Three were held for observation at Brotman Memorial Hospital. Those affected complained of nausea, dizziness and irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs.

But the source of their complaints was not readily apparent. After checking the building two hours after the evacuation, the Fire Department reported that its mobile laboratory and county hazardous material experts had been unable to find a cause.

Three fire companies were dispatched shortly before 9 a.m. after some workers in the building reported difficulty in breathing. When firemen arrived, the building was ordered evacuated.

The structure was also evacuated Wednesday afternoon when acetone fumes from cleaning solvents entered the ventilation system and permeated the building. Six persons suffering breathing difficulties were hospitalized for examination. They were treated and released.