POTSDAM – A chemical spill in a laboratory at Clarkson University’s Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) prompted an evacuation of the center, a response by emergency workers, and one person sent to the hospital.

An employee spilled a solvent, styrene monomer, at about 12:10 p.m. Thursday, in a laboratory.

The university says that the employee initiated appropriate protocols for the spill, the building was evacuated, and the Potsdam Fire Department, the Potsdam Police Department, Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Parishville Rescue Squad responded, along with the university's own emergency response team.

The employee was taken to the hospital for evaluation as a precaution.

The spill has been remediated, and air handlers for the building are addressing the residual smell, according to university authorities.

Employees with offices in the CAMP building were dismissed for the day. All students were asked to remain out of the building. There are no classes, as the university is between semesters.

“Clarkson University thanks the Potsdam Fire Department, the Potsdam Police Department, the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Parishville Rescue Squad for their swift response and assistance,” a statement from Clarkson said.

Styrene is an irritant. It evaporates quickly.