Cleaning chemicals sent seven people to the hospital Monday at a Sarasota Planned Parenthood facility.

During the evacuation, an unknown susbstance found in a stairwell, which turned out to be baby food, caused concern.

  • Hazmat teams called to Sarasota Planned Parenthood facility
  • At least 7 taken for evaluation, uncapped cleaning products believed to be what caused symptoms
  • Baby food found in stairwell during evacuation caused concern

Hazmat teams examined cleaning closets and found uncapped cleaning products.

According to Sarasota Police, at least seven patients were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and one person declined medical assistance. Symptoms were respiratory (shortness of breath).

The illnesses were caused by unknown cleaning chemicals. Once crews got on scene, they packed them up and removed them.

During the evacuation, power baby food was spilled in the stairwell and that was a cause of concern until it was ruled out and discovered that it was baby food.

There were about 40 people inside the building at 736 Central Ave.

Two hazmat teams, one from Sarasota County Fire and one from Southern Manatee, responded to the scene. Crews are expected to remain on scene for another hour or so.