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Odor from house demolition shuts down elementary school

Responders assessed 17 students and three adults at the school for complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness

Associated Press

HONOLULU — An elementary school in Honolulu was closed Tuesday after the demolition of a nearby house released a noxious chemical odor.

Kahala Elementary School students and faculty were instructed to shelter in place in climate-controlled classrooms while fire crews investigated, Honolulu Fire Capt. David Jenkins said. School officials then called parents to pick up their children.

First responders assessed 17 students and three adults at the school for complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness.

No patients had to be taken to the hospital.

“No one was actually poisoned by the chemical, it’s just the fumes are noxious and they make you feel like upset stomach and a little dizzy,” Battalion Chief Geoffrey Chang said.

Class were expected to resume Wednesday.

“The demolition company should have asked first if the homeowner was aware of anything,” said Chris Forbes of Island Construction and Demolition. “They can come out, check for any contaminants and file a report prior to demolition.”

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