Employees sickened at Michaels store in Schaumburg

Straw or hay that was being unwrapped for Halloween decorations at a Michaels store in Schaumburg may be to blame for several employees falling ill and, in three cases, being hospitalized Wednesday morning, officials said.

The store at 1420 E. Golf Road remained open and Schaumburg officials said there was no reason to close it.

David Fater, district manager of Michaels Companies Inc., said all the hospitalized employees have been given a clean bill of health following their tests.

Schaumburg police Sgt. John Nebl said the store called for paramedics at 8:14 a.m. Wednesday after six employees reported headaches and lightheadedness.

Four of the employees signed releases at the store, but the other two were taken to be treated at a hospital.

The village of Schaumburg and fire department began searching for carbon monoxide leaks or anything else that might have caused the symptoms, but found nothing, Nebl said.

The store called paramedics again at 10:37 a.m. for another employee to be taken to the hospital for the same symptoms.

Schaumburg Public Health Officer Mary Passaglia said the first and most important task, given the nature of the symptoms, was to eliminate the possibility of carbon monoxide or any other harmful gases in the building.

“I didn't find anything to suggest that the store was at risk,” Passaglia said. “Everything seemed to be pointing at that particular product.”

She said the straw was produced and packaged in Mexico, but she doesn't yet know what went into its processing. The straw could have been sprayed with insecticides or some other product that was preserved by the wrapping.

Nebl said mold in the straw may also be a culprit.

Because people have different levels of sensitivity, there were employees present throughout the morning who were fine and free of symptoms, Passaglia said.

She said she's waiting to find out if any of the tests employees took while at the hospital might confirm the cause of their symptoms.

Corporate officials for Michaels said they had no confirmation of the cause as of Wednesday afternoon.