Wexler students exposed to an ‘airborne irritant’

NEW HAVEN — Some students and teachers at Wexler-Grant School were hospitalized Thursday after seemingly being exposed to mace, or something similar, in a classroom, according to a district official.

Justin Harmon, director of communications and marketing for the New Haven Public Schools, said 12 students and two teachers experienced “symptoms of an airborne irritant in a single classroom at Wexler Grant School this morning,” including “watery eyes and scratchy throats.”

“All were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital as a precaution,” said Harmon. “The New Haven Fire Department found evidence of contamination with a defensive spray, such as mace, in a cubicle in the classroom. The classroom is being vented and cleaned.”

Students were evacuated to the Q-House, located next door on Foote Street, while the incident was investigated, Harmon said.

“They will return to other classrooms in the school building to continue the class day and for regular dismissal,” said Harmon.