WASHINGTON _ Several people have been taken to hospitals in the U.S. capital after a man was found dead in an apparent suicide with a vial of a hazardous substance next to him.

Fire department spokesman Alan Etter said authorities went to the home Monday afternoon and found the man and the vial.

Fire officials say police left the home and summoned a hazardous-materials crew. Eleven fire workers, one police officer and one neighbour were taken to hospitals as a precaution.

Etter said the fire department will not identify the substance because police are investigating.

© 2007 The Canadian Press