One floor of the Health Care Authority building was evacuated after four employees smelled an unusual odor in mail that was being opened.

Sgt. Paul Erdahl said Tuesday that the odor from the mail made all four employees gag but only one was treated on the scene for a headache. Erdahl said that all of the mail was put into a barrel, and they were awaiting a SWAT team to remove the barrel and see what was involved.

He said that that it was uncertain at this point where the mail came from, but that the criminal investigation division will take over the case. The Health Care Authority oversees eight health care programs, including Medicaid. Gov. Chris Gregoire was supposed to be in the building for a meeting at 2 p.m., but it was canceled before she arrived due to the situation.