Students and staff were evacuated from Hempstead High School Monday after potentially hazardous fumes blew into the building.

Dust from a construction project accidentally blew into the school around 12:30 p.m. Ambulances, HAZMAT and other emergency services responded because it was feared asbestos particles were in the dust. Tests results on the dust came back negative, meaning asbestos was not present.

James Kelly, the EMS supervisor of the Nassau County Police Department, said eight or nine students and staff complained of respiratory problems. The affected individuals were showered off in the gymnasium locker rooms before being transported to area hospitals, Kelly said.

Hempstead Superintendent Dr. Nathaniel Clay said the workers were not supposed to turn on the air circulating machine during school hours. Clay said school will proceed as scheduled Tuesday.

Related Information: Hempstead Schools