Person hospitalized after touching 'unknown substance' in Morrisville, scene cleared after investigation

Emergency responders in Morrisville on Thursday afternoon responded to a hazardous materials call at an office building.

Around 1:15 p.m., police and firefighters responded to an office building at 5221 Paramount Parkway.

First responders located several packages with an "unknown substance" on them, according to police.

According to officials, a person encountered the substance and drove themselves to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

On Thursday, UNCA Health released a statement.

"Our security team evacuated the building as a precaution and worked with law enforcement to evaluate the package," the statement reads in part. "Law enforcement gave us an 'all clear' a little before 4 p.m., and employees were allowed to return to the building."

After an investigation, it was determined that the substance was calcium sulfate, which is commonly found in building materials (drywall, sheetrock).

The incident is believed to be the result of a cross-contamination with other materials inside a delivery truck, and investigators found no malicious intent.

The person who touched the substance has been treated and released from the hospital.

The scene has been cleared.