23 Hurt, 200 Evacuated in Laboratory Freon Leak

Twenty-three people were injured Monday by a leak of Freon at a North Hollywood medical laboratory. The escape of the liquid, which can be fatal if breathed in large amounts, forced the evacuation of 200 employees, authorities said.

Several dozen firefighters, a hazardous materials team and three ambulances were dispatched to the Kaiser Permanente medical laboratory about 10:20 a.m., said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Greg Acevedo.

Sixteen people were treated at the scene for headaches, burning eyes, sore throats and nausea, Acevedo said. Seven others were taken to hospitals for treatment and released.