Hazardous chemicals released in 5th grade classroom in Roosevelt

First responders treated students from a fifth grade class at the Roosevelt Children's Academy after a toxic chemical was released into the classroom. Reportedly, a student's chemistry kit containing calcium hydroxide powder was opened, causing mild irritation to 17 students.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Response Team assisted the Nassau County Police Department with the response on Wednesday. Several students complained of mild irritation initially, prompting the students to be transported by ambulance out of what Nassau officials say was "an abundance of precaution" to be evaluated at Nassau University Medical Center. 

Calcium hydroxide powder, when dispersed, can be a mild irritant when it comes in contact with the skin, eyes and airways. It is commonly used to prepare lime mortar in masonry, sewage treatment, dentistry and sometimes as a fungicide on orchard crops. 

The Nassau County Police Department is investigating the event as the lead agency alongside the Hazardous Materials Response Team. School officials are also cooperating with the investigation.