Stony Brook dorm evacuated when 'irritant' is released

A dormitory at Stony Brook University was evacuated Sunday night after an "unknown irritant" was released in the building, school officials said in a notice posted on the university's website.

Several students complained of and were treated for minor eye irritation before the building was declared safe at 10:40 p.m. and students could return, according to the statement.

The specific nature of the nuisance agent was still under investigation Sunday night, according to officials.

A story posted on the website of the Stony Brook Independent, a campus news source, reported that a resident adviser tripped an alarm after two students complained of haze on the third floor of Hand College that was bothering their throats and eyes.

Suffolk County Fire Rescue and university police were among the agencies that responded. According to the website, decontamination showers were set up and students were kept away from the building with yellow caution tape.