Nine people sent to hospital as a precaution; no serious injuries reported
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
St. Mary’s Grade School, Burlington, was evacuated late Friday morning and a dozen people were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation after chemicals used to clean the school’s cafeteria created concern among emergency responders.
Officials said 8 adults and one child were treated and most had been released as of mid afternoon.
The school was evacuated about 11 a.m. and students were taken to the playground behind the school as parents were called to pick them up.
City of Burlington Fire Chief Richard Lodle said he and school administrators made the decision to shut the school down for the day because a hazard materials team from Racine had to be called in to assess the situation – a process that could take several hours.
“We’re waiting for a higher-level response,” Lodle said about 11:30 a.m., noting his department was unable to make a full assessment of the potential threat the cleaning chemicals pose.
The initial call came in at 10:11 a.m. after cafeteria staff noticed a residue from what appeared to be cleaning solutions that remained on the kitchen countertops.
The fire department called for mutual aid, requesting ambulances from Rochester, Lake Geneva, Waterford and two private services to assist the Burlington Area Rescue Squad.
Lodle said none of the people transported to Memorial Hospital of Burlington appeared to be in distress and were apparently being checked out as a precaution, pending additional information on the cleaning chemicals.
He also said officials had been in contact with the person who had cleaned the kitchen the night before and it initially appeared that two incompatible cleaning compounds had been mixed together, creating the residue and the concern.
Once the hazardous materials team arrived and determined if any threat existed, Lodle said his crew would respond accordingly.
In a letter sent to staff and parents, school officials said the incompatible cleaning products caused a chemical reaction in the school kitchen. Eight staff members were taken to the hospital for evaluation before being released.
“Following the investigation, the building has now been deemed safe,” the letter said.
According to school officials, the Department of Health has been notified and staff is following instructions regarding the clean up of the area. Public health officials will inspect the kitchen early Monday before any food preparation will begin to ensure safety. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday.
“Although this was an unpleasant disruption, we are very thankful that no one was injured and that all of our students were safe,” the letter said.
Dowload a copy of the school’s letter here: ST MARY PRESS RELEASE
For additional information on the incident, see the Oct. 25 print edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
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