x
Breaking News
More () »

Del Mar College's Flato Building is safe for entry after carbon monoxide exposure

The building was closed, Friday afternoon, due to students and faculty being exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Del Mar College's Flato Building is back open and safe for entry after being closed due to students and faculty being exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

Friday afternoon, students and faculty reported symptoms of headaches and nausea which prompted the Colleges' Department of Environmental Health and Safety to conduct various safety tests. 

"The Flato Building was intermittently closed to ensure health and safety protocols and to provide an adequate testing environment," according to an email from Mark Escamilla, President and CEO of Del Mar College. 

Following the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, Del Mar proceeded to conduct "disinfecting protocols and an indoor air quality survey," where they determined that COVID was not a factor.

"After determining that COVID-19 was not a factor and airborne mold was within normal range, further testing was conducted which identified a leak in a central cooling component, referred to as a boiler, in the Flato Building," Escamilla said. "Testing results showed levels of carbon monoxide ranging from 25 to 140 parts per million (ppm)." The boiler is currently offline and is not in use. 

Del Mar had the building tested by the Corpus Christi Fire Department, where they determined the building is safe to occupy, according to the email.

3NEWS then reached out to CCFD who said that they did not find traces of carbon monoxide when they tested the building.

Escamilla added that student safety is paramount to the College. "The health and safety of our students, employees and guests will always be our top priority at Del Mar College," Escamilla said. 

Saturday afternoon 3NEWS spoke with Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas about the state of the building.

"Our Environmental Health and Safety Department is monitoring the building on a regular basis and we have carbon monoxide detectors in place," Keas said. "Everything has been re-evaluated and will continue to be monitored."

As of now, the building is considered safe for entry. The Del Mar campus, however, will be closed for the Fourth of July weekend and will re-open on Tuesday.

More from 3News on KIIITV.com:

Want to send us a news tip?

Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.

If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.

Before You Leave, Check This Out