Two Kapolei Elementary students and five faculty were treated at a hospital Thursday after complaining of headaches, nausea and sore throat caused by a strong chemical odor at the campus.

A Honolulu Fire Department HAZMAT crew was called to the school on Kamaaha Loop around 9 a.m. Thursday to investigate complaints of a strong odor.

Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokeswoman Shayne Enright said paramedics and fire employees were already onsite for a career day event.

“At first, there were only a few patients, and then more and more patients started complaining of shortness of breath, itchy eyes, sore throat, cough — all very consistent with pesticides being sprayed in the area,” Enright said.

She said paramedics evaluated and treated more than 40 adults and students. One person was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. The other six were in stable condition.

The odor was identified as insecticide from a nearby resident’s yard, but fire officials told the school administration that the air quality posed no harm. No evacuation was necessary. 

Students were kept indoors at the campus, which is fully air-conditioned. Lunch and recess was held indoors. Parents were notified about the incident.