Merano, 3 students poisoned in chemistry lab

During instructional activities in the chemistry laboratory at the ‘Marie Curie Technical Institute for Tourism and Biotechnology’ in Merano, Bolzano province, several students experienced adverse health effects. A minimum of sixty-five students within the facility exhibited respiratory irritation and nausea, necessitating the response of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical staff. Most students underwent assessment at the on-site triage center, while twenty-three individuals required further medical attention and were subsequently transported to local hospitals. Health officials reported that three students presented with symptoms of intoxication, described as being of moderate severity. Subsequent investigations, including analyses and sample testing, ruled out a chemical accident, identifying a malfunctioning personal deodorant as the source of the irritant. As a precautionary measure, approximately five hundred individuals were evacuated from the institute following the incident.