HAZMAT Team Called to Gwinnett Medical Center

HAZMAT crews were called to Gwinnett Medical Center Wednesday afternoon.

According to Gwinnett County Police's Cpl. Jake Smith, an officer came across a small bag containing what was believed to be drugs while on a call at a Walmart in Norcross earlier in the day. The officer conducted field tests, which turned up negative for drugs. 

That officer started to feel sick, and went to the Gwinnett Medical Center for evaluation.

The Gwinnett County Fire Department was called to the hospital at about 1:15pm and the incident was treated as a HAZMAT situation.  It was considered a "hot zone" until further evaluation could be done.

Tests eventually determined the suspicious substance was powdered soap or dish detergent. No hazardous materials were present.

"GMC re-routed traffic around the emergency department during this time so patients and family members remained safe," said hospital spokesperson Beth Okun. "GMC’s emergency department remained open."