SCHOOLBOY GASSED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19694, 28 July 1938, Page 5

SCHOOLBOY GASSED

INHALED IN EXPERIMENT

CHLORINE IN LUNGS

RUSHED TO HOSPITAL

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day.

Admitted to Auckland Hospital late on Tuesday afternoon suffering from a severe inhalation of chlorine gas, a 15-year-old schoolboy, William Irving'Taylor, son of Mr. J. Taylor, Ponsonby, was still suffering from the effects of the poison last night. It was stated that the boy was doing laboratory work at the Auckland Grammar School when he collapsed. He has been one of a number of senior boys who customarily assist with the Dreparation of chemicals used for subsequent experimentation and, although the mishap occurred after school hours, at about 4.30 o'clock, he was doing authorised work.

Apparently he had been generating some chlorine gas for filling specimen jars for demonstration purposes, and it is thought that he must have breathed in some of the mixture after making it. Although he had sufficient experience not to inhale a dangerous quantity, it is considered possible that a recent sickness might have made him unusually susceptible to the gas, and he suddenly collapsed.

Immediately the mishap occurred, the boy was rushed to the hospital and given treatment to relieve his lungs. The speed with which he was placed under proper care was stated to have prevented dangerous results. and his condition was not regarded as serious.