SMITHFIELD — Emergency workers evacuated between 20 and 25 people to hospitals after a drain cleaner spilled at the Carolina House senior-care center Wednesday night, officials said.

No serious injuries were reported, but workers took the residents to be checked as a precaution after they reported respiratory problems.

Firefighters said the cleaner was washed away and most of those transported were returned to Carolina House.

Carolina House of Smithfield, operated by Brookdale Senior Living, is a care center for seniors who need physical assistance or are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.