7 students hospitalized after possible chemical exposure at West Town elementary school
Seven students were taken to hospitals Thursday afternoon, after they apparently suffered exposure to a chemical at Jose de Diego Community Academy on Thursday afternoon in the West Town neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.
According to dispatch reports, several students were exposed to calcium hydroxide, which is used in a number of applications, including medical, agricultural, dental, construction, and industrial purposes, sometimes including chemistry class experiments.
It was not clear what the exact usage of the chemical was in this incident. Calcium hydroxide is a strong base material used to test the solubility of solutions, and can also be used to detect carbon dioxide. It's used in some food products, but can be dangerous when inhaled in large amounts. Improper exposure to the substance also can cause eye and airway irritation.
Chicago Fire Department officials confirmed seven students were taken to hospitals in good to fair condition. Another 14 students treated at the scene by medics refused to be taken to hospitals.