Hazardous release in New Mexico sickens 200 near El Paso

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico authorities say an unknown hazardous material release has sickened about 200 people near the Mexican border just northwest of El Paso, Texas.

A two-mile area surrounding the industrial park and border crossing at Santa Teresa was evacuated Tuesday, October 30th -- and the nearby airport wa closed.

Officials say some people from businesses in the industrial park were taken to Santa Teresa High School after complaining of breathing problems, light-headedness, nausea and dizziness. No serious injuries were reported and no one was hospitalized.

Some people also described a burning sensation on their skin.

Dona Ana County spokeswoman Kelly Jameson said officials started getting calls from people about 8:30 a.m.

Emergency officials from Texas and New Mexico responded, and people in nearby homes and businesses were told to stay indoors, seal all doors and windows and turn off air conditioning and heating systems.

The evacuation remains in effect while air-quality testing is being done to determine what made the people sick.