Cause of chlorine leak in pool at Rocori High still 'a mystery'
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on newsvine
Share on DiggMore from Local + Metro
Officials are still stumped by the cause of Wednesday's apparent chlorine leak in the swimming pool at Rocori High School in Cold Spring, Minn.
"It's a mystery," said Don Adams, director of the Stearns County environmental services department, one of several agencies investigating.
Almost 40 people were rushed to hospitals after students in a ninth- and 10-grade physical education class had trouble breathing.
In two separate and independent tests Thursday, the pool's chlorination equipment functioned properly, Adams said.
Water samples Wednesday and Thursday found chlorine levels within acceptable ranges. And the only two chemicals in the pool area -- chlorine and hydrochloric acid -- both tested at appropriate levels.
"None of this answers the question: What happened?" Adams said. He joined several other agencies for a briefing Thursday night to discuss what he called "a giant jigsaw puzzle."
All of the 16 people admitted to the St. Cloud Hospital were released Thursday, spokeswoman Karen Neis said.
Those treated at the hospital had mild symptoms "consistent with chlorine exposure," such as coughing and burning nasal passages, Dr. Tom Schrup said.
JENNA ROSS
