Carbon Monoxide Detectors 'Not Required' In Leak That Hospitalized 17 UWM Students

MILWAUKEE, WI — Carbon monoxide detectors weren't installed in university living spaces prior to 17 students being hospitalized and 400 evacuated from Cambridge Commons Monday due to a leak of the odorless but deadly gas, a report from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee showed.

The university has since installed carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of all of its residence halls as a "precautionary measure" while the carbon monoxide leak is being investigated, the university said in a statement. The detectors are not required by building codes, the university added.

On Monday, students reported headaches and dizziness to the front desk of the off-campus residence hall, and 17 were admitted to a local hospital for symptoms related to carbon monoxide exposure, university spokesperson Michelle Johnson told Patch. The students were released from the hospital on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: 17 UWM Students Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak

Of the 400 students evacuated from the residence hall, 14 had to relocate permanently because of repairs, the university said in a statement. All students who had to evacuate were given $100.

Milwaukee firefighters traced the leak to the hot water boiler in the north end of the basement, the university said. The boiler was shut off and is being repaired.

An apology was sent to students and parents on Thursday for the university's lack of communication about the incident.

"We have heard from some of you regarding frustrations with communications about this incident," the university said in a statement. "While information was sent directly to the students involved, broader communication to the campus community did not take place in a timely manner. We apologize for that."

State law requires building owners to install carbon monoxide detectors if the building is heated by a fuel-burning furnace, but Johnson told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the university's residence halls use steam heating.

Buildings are exempt from installing detectors if "fuel-burning appliances in the residential building have sealed combustion units that are covered by the manufacturer's warranty against defects," according to state law.