A SCHOOL was cleared when a jar containing highly toxic formaldehyde fell from a shelf and smashed.

A group of year 11 pupils were walking into the first floor science lab at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Faversham, on Tuesday when a gust of wind slammed the door, causing the jar containing a preserved dogfish head to fall.

Deputy head teacher Carolyn Fullager said there was a small amount of formaldehyde.

She said: "The students were stopped from entering the room and students already inside were evacuated by the teacher and lab technician. As a precautionary measure, to ensure everyone was completely safe, the whole school was then evacuated."

Firefighters and the specialist chemical unit from Ashford dealt with the spillage and the school called in a chemical waste disposal company to thoroughly clean the area.

The science lab and the surrounding area were declared safe for re-occupation on Tuesday evening, said Miss Fullager. She said: "No-one was hurt or harmed in any way and, thanks to the presence of mind of members of the science department and the efficiency of Kent Fire Brigade, the situation posed no immediate or long-term danger. The incident has been logged as minor."

* Small amounts of formaldehyde can cause harm because it is so toxic. Exposure leads to eye nose and throat irritation, which can lead to chest pains wheezing and bronchitis.