17 students from Roosevelt Children's Academy taken to hospital after powder, a mild irritant, is released in a classroom

Seventeen elementary school children were taken to a Nassau County hospital after calcium hydroxide powder was released inside a classroom when a chemistry kit was opened, according to the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Authorities believe the substance became airborne in a fifth-grade classroom at Roosevelt Children’s Academy around noon Wednesday, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation, according to Michael F. Uttaro, Chief Fire Marshal.

A Nassau County police spokeswoman said the department received a 911 call for medical assistance at the school on West Centennial Avenue at 12:10 p.m. The police then notified the Nassau County Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Response Team for assistance. Several students complained of mild irritation from the caustic substance, which can be irritating when it is dispersed and comes into contact with skin, eyes, and mouth.

The affected students were transported to Nassau University Medical Center for an evaluation “out of an abundance of precaution,” according to release issued Uttaro.

A police investigation is ongoing while fire officials continue to evaluate the powder and the chemistry kit, according to a release.

School officials did not return a request for comment.

By Lorena Mongelli

lorena.mongelli@newsday.com

Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.