Chemical Leak Prompts Hazmat Response At USC

LOS ANGELES, CA — A leak at a USC science building prompted a hazardous-materials response Thursday afternoon.

The leak, from a liquid nitrogen tank, was reported at around noon at the Frank R. Seaver Science Center at 920 Bloom Walk, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

LAFD and USC hazmat teams responded to the scene and secreted the tank just after 12:30 p.m., according to the LAFD.

"The hazardous materials incident at Frank R. Seaver Science Center at UPC (the University Park Campus) has concluded. University operations have returned to normal," USC officials said in a statement.

Liquid nitrogen is used as a cooling and freezing agent.