Contra Costa County

Foul-Smelling Paint Fumes Cause Reports of Dizziness at Swim Meet at Campolindo High School

A foul odor prompted reports of dizziness and briefly interrupted a swim meet at Campolindo High School on Saturday, according to fire officials.

According to a statement issued by the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, complaints began to trickle in around 9:10 a.m., during the annual Orinda Moraga Pools Association Championship Meet. 

Responding firefighters learned of up to 12 patients who felt uneasy due to non-toxic paint fumes, the statement said. Fire crews traced the odor to an ongoing maintenance project at the nearby school's track.

Fire officials said the incident triggered a so-called multi-casualty incident plan, comprising seven fire engines from Moraga-Orinda and Contra Costa County, five ambulances, two hazmat units, Moraga police officers and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department deputies.

The statement indicated that people were asked to move out of the area near the track. Two people received oxygen on-scene and were released and others declined medical treatment.

The track area and adjacent parking lot will be closed until 5 p.m. Saturday and maintenance will be rescheduled, officials said.

The swim meet, which draws over 1,000 participants and spectators, is slated to continue as planned.
 

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