Physics Building chemical spill turns out to be false alarm
Classes and labs were suspended Wednesday after a strong odor mistaken for a chemical spill prompted University Police to evacuate the Physics Building for about eight hours.
A professor and UP officer set off an alarm in the building at 7:17 a.m., fearful that they smelled fluorine — a toxic chemical and irritant that causes physical harm if inhaled or touched.
When dispatched to the building, however, Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) could not find the odor’s source.
TFR ultimately decided that the odor likely came from cleaning solvents that were not vented properly overnight, resulting in the concentration of odor.
“It turns out that it was probably not a dangerous chemical,” said University spokesman Michael Hoad.
USF’s MoBull emergency text-messaging system warned students at 8:04 a.m. of the possible spill and told them to avoid the Physics Building until the area was cleared.
By 4 p.m., the building reopened and classes resumed.
Hoad said the University sticks by its decision to send out the MoBull alert and cancel classes, saying it is better not to have put students, faculty or staff at risk.
At least 45,000 students received the message.
More Stories
Some USF students reconsider their careers after Trump’s DEI cuts
For Jordan Brumit, the removal of DEI programs impacts not only their career prospects but their ability to express their identity. “I already feel overlooked because of my gender identity,” said Brumit, a nonbinary doctoral student in politics and international affairs. “Now, if I want to go into politics, I’ll have to hide a part […]
USF faculty honor mothers with scholarship program
Ellen Nizzi didn’t go to college in her 20s – her dream of pursuing higher education was interrupted by the Great Depression. At 77, Nizzi finally decided she would get a degree. Last week, she celebrated her 104th birthday. Nizzi is one of the three moms who inspired The Mom’s Project – a scholarship program […]
Sister Cindy preaches celibacy at USF
Cindy Smock, known as Sister Cindy online, stood outside of Cooper Hall on Tuesday telling students to skip class and join her for the “Ho No Mo” Revolution. Smock, a 66-year-old Christian evangelist preacher, returned to USF this week a year after her last visit as part of her college campus tour throughout the country. […]
USF professor struggles with office closure and housing after hurricanes
Six months after Hurricane Debby forced USF St. Pete to close some academic buildings, Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan still doesn’t have access to her on-campus office. McLauchlan, a political science professor, said she missed a conference presentation because her books and work materials were in her office at the Piano Man Building, which she can’t access. […]
USF Sarasota-Manatee is housing New College students for roughly $1M
Jonathan Smalenski and Adrian Orozco have been roommates at USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Atala Hall since the fall — except they’re not USF students. The two New College of Florida (NCF) sophomores moved to the residence hall after NCF had trouble accommodating student residents on its own campus. Atala Hall opened in fall 2024 and is USF […]
USF cycling class meets music and pop culture
Stepping into a cycling class, participants wouldn’t expect to be greeted by an instructor wearing a bald cap impersonating Pitbull or a Taylor Swift flag held high as they cycle to “Cruel Summer.” But that’s exactly what they get when they sign up for the concert series class at USF’s Recreation and Wellness Center (REC). […]