Chemical Reaction At NJ College Sends 4 To Hospital

PARAMUS, NJ — Contractors cleaning inside the Pitkin Education Center accidentally created a chemical reaction, sending four people to the hospital, college officials announced.

Bergen Community College President Eric Friedman shared that the center was closed on Tuesday, but reopened Wednesday after count and municipal first responders completed a health and safety evaluation inside the building.

According to Friedman, the center was closed after a contractor "conducted a routine cleaning of a drain in Bergen Pizza."

He continued:

"The cleaner reacted with trapped food/grease and created a localized chemical reaction. Four College employees in close proximity inhaled the chemical reaction and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital."

Friedman also shared that the reaction quickly dissipated, and the county officials deemed the building safe. However, night classes and activities were canceled on Tuesday.