Three people may have been exposed to a dangerous chemical at a Sorrento Valley research facility.
Scripps Research Institute employees were working with hydrogen fluoride when something broke releasing the chemical into the lab.
San Diego firefighters were called to the building at 3215 Merryfield Way just west of Interstate 5 around 10:20 a.m. Monday.
The second floor was evacuated as San Diego Hazmat worked with Scripps employees to assess the chemical spill.
Officials are unsure if the chemical was a gas or a liquid when it was released.
One person was definitely exposed officials said. Another two people were being examined as a precautionary measure.
Because the company has a hazardous material team on staff, San Diego firefighters served as support, going inside the building and measuring the magnitude of the spill.
The first floor of the building was deemed safe and employees were told they could return to work as of noon.
Keep up to date on breaking news: Follow us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, fan us on Facebook, sign up for our breaking news e-mail alerts or text SDBREAKING to 622339 to receive text messages for local breaking news. (For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.)
