Three people were taken to hospital and more than 1,000 workers were evacuated from central Melbourne buildings after an "irritant" leaked through air-conditioning.
Fire crews were called to the Darrell Lea chocolate shop in Swanston St about 2.40pm (AEST) on Friday where they found staff overcome by fumes.
The leak also spread to three neighbouring businesses.
The Qantas House building in Collins Street was also temporarily affected, a Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) spokesman said.
An ambulance spokesman told AAP the three people were taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital with minor respiratory complaints.
But workers were allowed back into the buildings by about 5pm after crews confirmed the air-conditioning unit was clear of chemicals.
"We were unable to find any products using air-monitoring equipment," the MFB spokesman said.
Investigators examined rubbish bins at the back of the Darrell Lea building, where they suspect the chemical may have emanated from, he said.
Front page
RSS Feed