Upon arrival it was determined a science experiment being conducted on the 2nd floor of the school malfunctioned. The school was evacuated immediately.
The experiment utilized Nitric Acid and Copper pennies in a closed loop system to produce Nitrogen Dioxide, a naturally occurring gas. In high concentration Nitrogen Dioxide can be an respiratory irritant and cause dizziness, or in extreme cases unconsciousness. The malfunction involved a tube within the system breaking, causing the gas to enter the atmosphere.
Fire Department personnel entered and utilized mechanical ventilation to clear any of the remaining gas from the school. The experiment was removed to an exterior area to allow the reaction to subside naturally. Air quality was metered and deemed safe to allow the school to be re-occupied. CT DEEP responded to confirm fire department findings.
1 student and 1 staff member were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation with complaints of dizziness and eye/throat irritation, 14 students were evaluated on scene and released. Notifications were made to the parents of those effected by school staff.

Chief Jonn Massirio