Cleaning product blamed for airport odor

MILWAUKEE, July 10 (UPI) -- A product used by a cleaning crew at Mitchell International Airport was to blame for a sickening odor at the Milwaukee site Friday, authorities say.

Hazardous materials authorities told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the product Goof Off, whose main ingredient is xylene, made at least six Transportation Security Administration agents endure dizziness and shortness of breath.

Russ Rivard, assistant director of the Milwaukee Fire Department's regional hazardous materials team, said the product had been used by members of an Empire Co. cleaning crew.

Rivard said the cleaning product was found in the garbage at the Super 8 motel where the contracted cleaners were staying.

The crew had disposed of their cleaning supplies at the motel after not being allowed to throw away the supplies on airport grounds, the Journal Sentinel reported.

The conditions of the ailing TSA agents were not reported, but four ambulances did leave the airport following the noxious smell incident.