A chemical spill in a science laboratory at a school in Sydney’s south has left 20 students and eight teachers feeling unwell. No one was hospitalised, but students at the school in Hurstville were relocated as hazardous material specialists inspected the classroom on Wednesday. It’s understood that a 600ml bottle of benzyl chloride — a chemical used to make dyes and pharmaceuticals — was being moved when it leaked in the science laboratory of the all-boys school.
“A number of people in the immediate vicinity felt irritation and smelt strong fumes as a result of the incident,” Fire and Rescue NSW said. “NSW Ambulance paramedics are assessing and monitoring 20 students and eight teachers as a precaution; however, none have been transported to hospital.” Five fire trucks, 18 firefighters and hazardous materials specialists attended the school. They are working to “decontaminate the classroom” and monitor conditions. 7NEWS.com.