Paraffin Oil Burns Student, Teacher At School

Emergency crews are quick to action today after a hazardous material situation is reported at North Middle School in Colorado Springs.

It happened just before 11 Friday morning. A student and teacher were both injured though firefighters say the injuries are not serious.

Firefighters say the first call came in as possible explosives at the school, but after investigating it was found that a student had actually brought paraffin oil to school.

Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil obtained by petroleum distillation.

Fire officials say they take calls like this seriously every time.

?We really don’t know people’s intentions. Kids will be kids. They will see something and think it is interesting or maybe have something else in mid, but yes, if you see anything report it to authorities immediately,? said Lt. Sracy Billalpando with the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Paraffin oil is found in wood finishing products and can cause skin irritation and blistering if it comes into contact with the skin.

Safety data indicates that if a person gets it on their skin, they should flush the area with water and seek medial attention right away. If the paraffin oil gets on clothes, the items should be discarded.

The student and teacher were taken to the hospital and treated for minor burns, and are expected to be all right.