The substance was urea, a nonhazardous compound commonly used in skincare products, according to officials. The determination came two days after the incident at Prime Recycling on Watson Street in Lenoir.

The situation began during normal operations on Monday, Nov. 9, when employees opened boxes and the powder became airborne. Fire officials said workers experienced difficulty breathing after exposure.

Lina Lemus, human resources manager at the Lenoir facility, said employees who saw and reported the substance stopped operations, evacuated the building and called 911.

Public safety officials evaluated 22 people at the facility, and 14 were taken to UNC Caldwell for further evaluation. An urgent care clinic in Burke County was placed on lockdown after an employee went there for treatment.

"The health and safety of our employees comes first," Lemus said. "We are relieved to report that every employee who was evaluated has been cleared and released."

A Prime Recycling spokesperson said the company is working with the hazmat team to fully understand the findings.

"We're working with the hazmat team to ensure we have a complete understanding of their findings," the spokesperson said. "Once we confirm everything, we will share an update as appropriate."

The facility reopened Tuesday after hazmat officials deemed it safe to resume operations. Monday's second and third shifts were suspended as a precaution.

The incident highlights the risks workers can face when handling unknown materials at recycling and industrial sites, and the importance of rapid reporting and evacuation procedures. Urea is widely used in fertilizers, cosmetics and other products and is not considered hazardous under normal handling conditions, though airborne exposure can cause irritation.