Dry ice experiment failure sends Tennessee teacher, 18 students to hospital

A teacher and 18 third-graders were sent to nearby hospitals Friday morning following a botched dry ice science experiment at Vena Stuart Elementary School in Tennessee, The US Sun reported.

All of those hospitalised are in good condition, according to Sumner County Emergency Medical Services.

The majority of the students were taken to Sumner Regional Medical Center.

Emergency services issued a "Code Orange" alert, which is issued when a hazardous materials spill occurs, at 9:30am but was cleared an hour later at the medical centre.

“Third-grade students at Vena Stuart Elementary were conducting routine science experiments with an outside presenter. One of the experiments included dry ice. After the dry ice experiment was completed, several students stated they were feeling ill," Sumner County Schools said in a statement.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we contacted Sumner County Emergency Services to provide assistance," they added.

"Eighteen students and a teacher were transported to area hospitals as a precautionary measure. All students and the teacher are stable and in good condition," the statement continued.

"All parents of affected students have been notified by the school. The room where the science experiment took place has been thoroughly assessed and ventilated by the Gallatin Fire Department,” they added.

Dry ice is commonly used in school science experiments as it is a fun and educational way to demonstrate chemical reactions when handled safely.

One of the safety guidelines for dry ice issued by the Harvard Campus Services advises against skin contact due to severe frostbite risks, and warning of potential asphyxiation if proper environmental temperatures are not maintained.

"Dry ice will sublime (change from solid to gas) at any temperature above -109°F," the safety guideline warns.