Compiled by: Dali Carmichael, Rachel Aiello and Rory MacDonald-Gauthier
Around 80 people and several animals in the veterinary technician building were quarantined after two students fainted and others reported feeling nauseated.
Emergency vehicles, including a HAZMAT team, were called to the campus to investigate around 2:30 p.m.
“We had a student showing signs of being dizzy and ill this morning and we had five or six other students showing similar symptoms,” said Algonquin’s vice president of human resources Gerry Barker.
One student reportedly fainted around 9:30 a.m. It was thought to be an isolated incident, until a second student fainted around 2 p.m. At that point, several other students reported feeling symptoms of nausea. At that time, emergency crews were called.
“When the first responders came, they received medical attention. To the best of my knowledge they haven’t been hospitalized,” said Barker.
Ottawa’s HAZMAT team conducted two separate tests to ensure that there was nothing contaminating the building. Tests came back negative for any CO2 or other air contaminants.
During the investigation a wide area outside of the building was sectioned off by police, dividing those who had been inside and spectators of the scene. Those in quarantine were forced to stand outside in the hot sun, but a double OC Transpo bus was brought on campus to provide relief water and shelter.
At 4:30 p.m., all of the people and animals in quarantine were released.