Leak causes Physics building evacuation

UPDATE: As of 2:53 p.m., the Physics building has been aired out. As a precautionary measure, the building will remain closed until 4 p.m. Classes will resume at that time.
Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) and University Police (UP) took over the Physics building at the Tampa campus this morning because of a chemical leak.
At 7:17 a.m., TFR responded to an alarm a professor and police officer sounded as they exited the building upon smelling fluorine.
UP Public Information Officer Lt. Meg Ross said that Physics Professor Djeu and UP Officer Hill were the only ones in the building at the time. There are no reported injuries.
Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said fluorine is an irritant that can be toxic if it comes in contact with vital organs or when inhaled.
TFR is in the process of airing out the building, but the source of the odor was never determined, Ross said.
As a result, the Physics building will remain closed until further notice.
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