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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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16

Eau de Stampede: Perfume Panic Fells 34 at Texas Bank

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(Newser) – A spray of strong perfume by an employee sparked chaos at a Bank of America call center in Texas yesterday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. After two employees complained of feeling dizzy from a colleague's strong perfume, an announcement was made saying anyone feeling ill should exit the building. Hundreds of people left the building, emergency services arrived, and 34 workers were taken to a local hospital. Another 110 were treated at the scene.

The building was checked for contaminants and none was found. Investigators—who haven't identified the perfume—believe the power of suggestion is to blame for the uproar. "Fear is one of the most contagious emotions there is," a local psychologist explained. "When you say to people, 'Hey, there is a contaminant in the building and it is making people sick,’ then it is easy for them to feel accordingly."

Investigators haven't named the brand of perfume responsible for starting the stampede out of the building.
Investigators haven't named the brand of perfume responsible for starting the stampede out of the building.   (Shutter Stock)
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Emotions are contagious. A lot of times people will reason from their feelings. It introduces the power of suggestion and it makes them susceptible to misinterpreting physical cues.
- Fort Worth psychologist Hap Klinefelter

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16 comments
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riffran
Jul 30, 09 4:10 AM CDT
oh my! Reply
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0
NovThird2010
Jul 30, 09 4:21 AM CDT
"Power of suggestion" is how Chairman Barry got elected. Lemmings, unite! Reply
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-9
IN RESPONSE:
atomick
Jul 30, 09 11:07 AM CDT
Well at least we actually elected him, which is more than can be said for our last "president."
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+2
djferrick
Jul 30, 09 4:50 AM CDT
a paid day off i hope ? Reply
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0
Netstorm2k9
Jul 30, 09 4:51 AM CDT
In other words, a bunch of people are dumb as shit. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+6

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