NEWBERG, Ore. — Six young people were treated and five were taken to hospitals after they were exposed to a large amount of chlorine at an aquatic center in Newberg on Tuesday morning.
A press release from Sherwood School District sent to KGW shortly after 2 p.m. said "four of the five students have been released from the hospital, and the fifth student is expected to be released today after additional observation."
Crews responded to the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, at 1802 Haworth Street, around 10:15 a.m., according to Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
A high school swim team was practicing when the chlorine was released, firefighters said. The school said the coach of the swim team immediately removed the students from the pool and called 911.
"We commend the quick actions of the coach in addressing student health and safety," said Christine Andregg, public information officer for Sherwood School District.
The victims, all minors, were complaining of burning eyes, lightheadedness and throat irritation, and noted a strong chemical smell, fire officials said.
“It would smell just like chlorine,” said TVF&R Captain Tim Nokes said. “It would smell like your household bleach and if you got a big whiff of that odor, you can imagine it would probably be an irritant. It would be just like taking a big whiff out of the Clorox jug at home. It wouldn’t feel very good. It would probably cause you to cough.”
Firefighters evacuated the building.