116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Source inconclusive for smell that sickened 24 at Cedar Rapids school
No source can be identified for the smell that sickened 24 students and adults at Harding Middle School two weeks ago.
Authorities said Monday that the cause of the Jan. 30 incident in the cafeteria of the school, 4801 Golf St. NE, has been ruled inconclusive. Testing showed normal levels of carbon monoxide and other gases, and no food-borne illness was detected.
The odor made 18 students and six staff members sick with coughing and nausea; some were taken to hospitals. On the recommendation of Linn County Public Health officials, the school was closed the next day for cleaning.
Cedar Rapids fire crews were called to investigate a suspicious odor at Harding MIddle School, 4801 Golf St. NE, on Monday morning. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
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