About 35 students and staff at West Babylon High School were taken to the hospital after a mysterious odor prompted an evacuation.

Suffolk police say the incident was contained to one main hallway on the first floor of the school.

Those taken to the hospital complained of a strange smell and had difficulty breathing. Many were discharged late Tuesday afternoon. Dozens of others were treated at the scene for minor respiratory complaints.

Classes were dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Evening activities at the school were canceled.

Suffolk police say the air in the school has been deemed safe, and students and staff will be allowed to return.

West Babylon School District Superintendent Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly issued a statement Tuesday night saying the school will have a delayed start at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. He also stresses that Tuesday's incident has no connection to the school-related threats in New York City and Los Angeles.

Initial reports indicated there was a possible chemical leak. Police say they are still investigating what the smell was and where it originated.

Officials say cameras inside the school are being reviewed to see if there was any suspicious activity around that time.

Anyone with information about the gas odor at the school is urged to call Suffolk police.