Sulfuric acid fumes leaked into a University of Maine building Monday in Old Town.
The leak was caused by a pressurized pipe in a piece of equipment at the Technology Research Institute, Margaret Nagle, senior director of public relations and operations for the university, confirmed Wednesday morning.
“When the leak was detected, the equipment was shut down and the building evacuated,” Nagle said in an email.
No one was injured in the incident, she said.
The institute, at 880 Main St., is an extension of the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute, located on the Orono campus.
Sulfuric acid, if ingested in small doses, can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, throat and respiratory system.
An industrial cleaning crew responded to the leak Tuesday. Staff were told they could return to work as early as Wednesday.