Brief chemical weapons scare at airport

The international concourse at Miami airport was evacuated today after fumes caused people to have trouble breathing. Paramedics treated at least 36 people at the scene.

But fears of a terrorist biological or chemical weapons atack on Concourse B soon disappeared.

Hazardous material crews traced the the source of the fumes to a spray being used by workmen carrying out airport expansion work. The fumes had entered the air conditioning system.

The evacuation was ordered after several passengers began coughing, said airport spokeswoman Inson Kim.

People in or near a second-floor security checkpoint reported breathing difficulties and other symptoms, including scratchy throat, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, said fire brigade spokesman Jeff Hackman

No one needed hospital treatment, Hackman said.