Update: UCA Continues Testing at Site of Evacuation
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: June 22, 2012
The University of Central Arkansas has released the following update about today's evacuation of a building on campus:
Classes will not be held in Burdick Hall until a toxicology firm has completed its testing of the building, according to UCA officials. Classes have been moved to another location on campus.
One professor and at least six students complained of feeling ill about 10:40 a.m., Friday. The building was evacuated. No one was transported to the hospital. The building was reopened for faculty and staff. Classes were moved Friday to the Speech Language Pathology building.
Officials with the Conway Fire Department, MEMS, the Department of Health and UCA Physical Plant conducted air quality test, which showed normal oxygen levels, said Conway Fire Chief Bart Castleberry. Carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen level meters installed in the building last week also indicated normal oxygen levels.
Officials have contacted a third company, Center for Toxicology & Environmental Health LLC, to conduct toxicology and environmental health tests. Once a report is received, officials will determine whether classes will resume in Budrick.
"If not, we will take appropriate action as recommended in the report," said UCA President Tom Courtway.
Officials also plan to install ceiling fans in each classroom to assist with the airflow.
Update (11:45 a.m.):
The fire alarm was pulled after students had dizziness symptoms.
The building was evacuated and they are conducting some tests for air quality.
They have some equipment that shows the air is reading normal. Early indications are that there is nothing wrong with the air.
Original story (11:35 a.m.):
The University of Central Arkansas is once again evacuating a campus building, according to the Log Cabin Democrat.
This is the second time Burdick Hall has been evacuated this summer.
According to the newspaper, officials are using hand-held monitors on students and teachers on scene.
Classes resumed in Burdick earlier this week following a week of air quality testing. Tests showed oxygen levels at acceptable levels.The original evacuation occurred June 7 after several students and faculty fell ill.
