Habanero Chili Peppers Cause Behind Colorado School Evacuation
30 Students and a teacher’s aide at the Jefferson County Open School in Colorado complained of both skin and eye irritations after they came in from recess on Monday.
Fire trucks and police cars responded to the scene along with hazmat crews to decontaminate the students outside – fully clothed, the students and teachers were sprayed down and placed into an area that was marked off. They were treated to symptoms that are similar to allergic reactions.
What was the cause of the irritations that sent some to the hospital and led to the evacuation of the others to a church down the road? After school closed on Tuesday, investigators learned that the culprit behind the situation wasn’t pepper spray or fertilizer; it was six habanero chili peppers.
According to Lyyn Setzler, the school district’s communication director, the peppers were found in the playground’s wood chips. She said they’re not sure how the peppers ended up on the playground.
The Scoville scale rates habaneros with a score of between 100,000 and 350,000 units. The scale measures how hot a chili pepper is.
The scale measures the amount of capsaicin, an active chemical compound that generates heat sensation in humans. For a better comparison, jalapeno peppers have a score up to 5,000 units.
When the habanero peppers are stepped on or grinded, the capsaicin particles are released into the air. If these particles get into the eyes or are breathed in, a burning sensation tends to occur.
On Tuesday, the school washed all playground surfaces and equipment down. The wood chips were removed and will be replaced.
Students who went to the hospital, were observed, and released the same day. The local fire department reports everybody was fine.
School is expected to re-open on Wednesday.
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