CRBN crew called to Romanian school after apparent sulphur dioxide container found

The specialised CBRN response team was called on Friday 18 September to a courtyard of the "Mihai Codreanu" Junior High School in Iași, Romania, where a container labeled "SO2" i.e. sulphur dioxide, was identified. The Iași Emergency Situations Inspectorate (ISU) also reported that two deceased cats were found near it.

"As a precaution, the area was secured, and a firefighting crew ensured specific prevention and intervention measures in the event of other emergency situations. Until the completion of the specialised measurements and checks, the contents of the container cannot be confirmed, nor the existence of a link between it and the death of the two animals. The intervention is carried out in compliance with the specific protection measures for such situations," the ISU Iaşi representatives stated.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless, bitter, non-flammable gas with a pungent odour that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of sulphur dioxide over a short period of time can cause severe respiratory problems. People with asthma, children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory diseases are particularly affected. Long-term exposure to low concentrations of sulphur dioxide can result in respiratory tract infections.