Statement on Suspicious Odor at St. Margaret School in Bel Air

St. Margaret School in Bel Air evacuated its lower school (grades 1-3) earlier today after a suspicious odor caused three faculty members to be transported to the hospital. Two of those taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center fainted at the school. No children complained of any symptoms resulting from the odor, believed to be the result of cross-contamination of cleaning solutions.

Harford County HAZMAT crews could identify no other source of the odor and have advised the school’s administration to have the floors re-mopped before the air quality is tested again later today.

School officials notified families of the 183 students in grades 1-3, as well as those students participating in the extended day program. There were approximately 18 students in the building at the time it was evacuated.

Sean Caine

Sean Caine is Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Communications