TAUNTON — A hazardous materials incident Monday, Feb. 3 at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School sent several students to the hospital with minor symptoms, Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Superintendent-Director Dr. Alexandre Magalhaes reported.

 At about 1:48 p.m., Taunton Fire responded to the school for possible hazardous materials exposure in a standalone outer building that houses the biotechnology, dental, and community health programs, the chief and superintendent reported.

Students reported a strong odor in the classroom. There was no active chemical spill or leak. The teacher removed students from the classroom and called 911.

The 16 students and staff members were moved to an adjacent building, where first responders evaluated them for minor symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness, according to the superintendent and fire chief.

 Seven students were transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton for evaluation of minor symptoms. The remaining students were released to their parents or guardians.

 Taunton Fire declared a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident, the lowest level, for hazardous and risk assessment, the superintendent and fire chief reported.

 A Massachusetts Department of Fire Services' Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division team responded to assist.

 During the investigation, firefighters did not detect any unusual readings in the building, and the Taunton Board of Health approved the building’s reopening.

 Classes resumed as usual Tuesday, Feb. 4. The school includes students from Middleboro.

The cause remains under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services' Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division.

 "We are extremely thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident," Magalhaes said. "I would like to commend the teacher who quickly removed the students from the classroom to safety. We are grateful to the Taunton Fire Department for their prompt response."