Students and staff were evacuated and sent home about a half-hour early from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School this afternoon [Monday, December 2] after fumes from a concrete floor sealant spread throughout the building.

The fumes, while not toxic, caused an adverse reaction among some students and staff, prompting the evacuation of the building. Police and fire rescue personnel responded to the school. Students and staff were not permitted back inside the school for the remainder of the day.

All student and community after-school and evening activities have been canceled for today and tonight. The school is expected to reopen on time tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3.