UV radiation from a disinfection system caused students’ eye pain

On the afternoon of Tuesday 22 October, the police restored access to the section of campus, including the Lakeside Lecture Theatres and the Social Sciences canteen, that had been cordoned off earlier in the day. 

At this point, police investigations suggest that UV radiation from a malfunctioning disinfection system in the canteen was the cause of the symptoms that led 23 students to seek medical attention. The students all had symptoms consistent with ‘welder’s flash’ – redness, itchiness and pain in the eyes caused by UV exposure.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a disinfection system that could kill Covid vira with UV radiation was installed in the Social Sciences canteen. Due to a technical error, the system was operational while there were people in the canteen on Monday.

Kristian Thorn deeply regrets that students were exposed to UV radiation in one of the university’s buildings and that they experienced pain and discomfort as a result:

“I’m very sorry that this has happened to our students. The university is a place where students should feel safe, and what these students have been through is deeply regrettable.”

An investigation to determine what caused the system to malfunction will now be carried out. It should not be possible for the system to be operational while there are people in the room.

“There are a number of questions we need answers to. This is an extremely serious incident,” Kristian Thorn said.

According to the first reports from the East Jutland Police, the students’ symptoms could have been caused by chemical or biological spills or discharges. It has become clear that this is not the case, so the police have closed the hazmat investigation in the incident area.

Head Consultant Niels-Christian Emmertsen, a spokesperson for pre-hospital services in Central Denmark Region, explained at a press conference that the students were suffering from a condition popularly known as ‘welder’s flash’. While painful, the condition is not serious. The symptoms typically subside after one or two days, and do not result in permanent damage. Any students who are still experiencing problems as a result of UV exposure in the canteen should consult their GP or the emergency medical services.

Kristian Thorn would like to thank the emergency services for their prompt and effective response in the University Park:

“The police and the other authorities were on the scene in force, and it was clear that the police weren’t taking any chances. It’s truly commendable, and we’re grateful for their decisiveness and cooperation.”

He also apologises to employees and students whose day has been disrupted by all the tumult in the park:

“It’s been necessary to cancel activities and classes in the affected buildings, which meant the day started with some confusion. A lot of employees have been affected by cancellations and rescheduling, and a number of students had their classes cancelled. I regret that, but it was a result of the seriousness of the situation.”