A large government building in Larnaca, which houses important offices like the Tax Department, was evacuated after reports of toxic fumes spreading through the facility. The incident began when a female employee felt suddenly unwell, which led to the immediate activation of emergency safety measures. As a result, hundreds of staff members and visitors had to leave the building quickly.
Initial investigations by the Department of Labour Inspection suggest the problem was likely caused by the incorrect use of chemicals during maintenance work on the building's sanitation systems. According to chemical safety experts, this incident shows the serious results of improper handling of cleaning products.
Tasoula Kyprianidou Leontidou, the head of Chemical Protection and Safety Services, confirmed that while investigators have not found the specific chemical containers or identified who was responsible, the evidence strongly points to the misuse of powerful cleaning agents. These agents were probably used in amounts higher than what is considered safe. The ongoing investigation is trying to determine the exact chemicals and the methods that led to the release of the dangerous gas.
The quick action by emergency teams was very effective in preventing greater harm. Officials praised the coordinated evacuation and the procedures to ventilate the building, which helped to neutralize the threat. Kyprianidou Leontidou explained that the situation was brought under control rapidly, which avoided more serious health problems. However, she stressed that there is always a high risk when chemical products are used without following safety guidelines. Her analysis showed that chemicals used for drain maintenance can create a toxic atmosphere, especially if they are mixed with other substances.
Experts emphasize that one of the most dangerous situations occurs when common, store-bought cleaning products are mixed together. For example, combining drain cleaners with chlorine-based products is a particularly hazardous practice. This can cause a fast chemical reaction that releases fumes. These vapors can lead to breathing difficulties and may cause long-term health issues.
This event is the third chemical-related evacuation in a Cypriot public building in the last year and a half. It has raised concerns about the training of maintenance staff and whether safety procedures are being followed correctly. Many professionals are now calling for better certification for people who handle hazardous materials and for stricter controls on how these chemicals are bought and used.
The building will stay closed until authorities can confirm that the air is safe. This incident acts as a serious reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist in everyday maintenance work and shows why a strong safety culture is essential wherever dangerous substances are used.