Carbon Monoxide Exposure Prompts School Closure in Vermont

Classes at a small school in northern Vermont were abruptly canceled after several students fell ill due to carbon monoxide exposure, according to school officials.

On Tuesday, at Coventry Village School, multiple students, along with one adult, exhibited symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure, such as nausea, fatigue, and headaches. North Country Supervisory Union superintendent, Elaine Collins, communicated this to the school community.

Swiftly responding to the situation, emergency responders arrived at the kindergarten-through-eighth grade school. Some students were transported to the hospital for further assessment. Astonishingly, even though initial tests showed no detectable carbon monoxide levels within the building, some students tested positive for slightly elevated levels. Fortunately, these affected students were treated and later released.

The students and adult affected had been in a classroom located closest to an active construction site on the school premises. With heavy machinery operating outside, the indoor air conditioning system was pulling in outside air. Experts believe that the carbon monoxide likely emanated from the operation of this heavy machinery.

In an abundance of caution, the school decided to cancel classes for Wednesday to conduct comprehensive testing and formulate a mitigation plan. The Newport Fire Department conducted assessments on Wednesday morning, detecting no carbon monoxide levels within the premises.

The safety and well-being of the students remain a top priority, leading to the decision to close temporarily while ensuring a safe environment for all.