KU News Release

Nov. 5, 2009
Contact: Jill Jess, University Relations, (785) 864-8858

Media advisory: Press conference to address chemical poisoning case

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas graduate student is in critical condition at a Lawrence hospital this morning after a suspected accidental sodium azide poisoning that may have occurred while he was working in a lab late Wednesday evening. As a precaution, Malott Hall was temporarily evacuated early Thursday and thoroughly inspected by the KU Office of Environment, Health and Safety. The building has reopened for normal operations today.

The university sent text and e-mail messages to students, faculty and staff this morning to notify them of the suspected accidental poisoning. Updates will be posted at www.alert.ku.edu.

A press conference will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Big 12 Room in the Kansas Union. Representatives from the KU police and environment, health and safety offices will be available to answer questions.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student and his family at this time,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.

kunews@ku.edu | (785) 864-3256 | 1314 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045