BERLIN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – A science experiment at a Connecticut high school led to a gas leak that sent a teacher and a student to the hospital.
The reported incident occurred at Berlin High School during a science experiment being conducted on the second floor of the school.
Authorities said the experiment involved the use of nitric acid and copper pennies in a closed-loop system designed to produce nitrogen dioxide, a naturally occurring gas.
However, a malfunction in the setup caused a tube to break, releasing gas into the air.
Nitrogen dioxide, in high concentrations, can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, eye irritation, and throat discomfort. In severe cases, it can cause unconsciousness.
The school was immediately evacuated upon discovery of the malfunction.
“No one really knew whether it was a drill or not. We later found out while we were outside, that one of the gas things that weren’t supposed to be pulled, got pulled and there was like a gas leak,” Katarina Pauley, a Berlin High School junior, said.
The Berlin Fire Department responded to the scene and used mechanical ventilation to clear the remaining gas from the building.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded to confirm the findings.
A student and a teacher ended up being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment after both reported dizziness and irritation of the eyes and throat. Fourteen other students were evaluated at the scene.
The school notified the parents of those affected. Officials said the situation remains under investigation.
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