MCALLEN – Eight people are awaiting treatment at local hospitals after breathing potentially hazardous odor at the Social Security office in McAllen.

Officials say people inside the office reported smelling a strong and strange odor just after 1:40 p.m.

Authorities say people inside began coughing and vomiting when the building’s security triggered the alarm.

McAllen Fire Assistant Jim Schultz says crews were rushed to the scene.

“At this time we are thinking it may have been something with the air conditioning," says Schultz.

He says the department is waiting for the building’s air condition technician to arrive and evaluate equipment.