At least 10 people were evaluated for exposure to chemicals after a spill Friday morning in Clark Atlanta University’s science building, officials said.
Atlanta firefighters were called to the southwest Atlanta campus about 11 a.m. after the incident in the university’s Thomas W. Cole Research Center for Science and Technology, according to department spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford.
The spill happened as an employee was moving chemicals to dispose of them. One container fell off a cart and broke, Stafford said.
The science building as well as Sage-Bacote and Trevor Arnett halls were evacuated, university police Chief Debra Williams said in an 11:30 a.m. alert to the campus. The Atlanta fire hazardous materials team responded to the scene.
Of the 10 people who were quarantined and decontaminated, nine were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Some complained of skin irritation and coughing, but the injuries were considered minor, Stafford said.
Authorities have not identified the chemicals or specified how much spilled.
In an email to faculty and staff just before 5:20 p.m., Clark Atlanta’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs said all of the affected buildings were available for use by faculty and staff.
“All persons are expected to report to work on Monday,” Dorcas Bowles said.
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