HILLSBORO, Ill. — Twenty-two corrections officers were taken to the hospital for treatment after potential substance exposure, but an investigation found those substances were not harmful.
According to Anders Lindall of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, the potential exposure happened at John A Graham Correctional Center. He said officers were tending to an inmate that was in distress when the responding officers experienced nausea, lightheadedness and one possible seizure.
A Department of Corrections spokeswoman said the staff members were taken to the hospital as a precaution. She said all officers involved have been released from the hospital.
After an investigation, Illinois State Police said the substances in question were found to be baby powder and a nasal spray consisting of acetaminophen and paracetamol.
"The substances were identified as nonhazardous and should not have necessitated the use of Narcan or required hospitalization, but IDOC works diligently to ensure the safety of both incarcerated individuals and employees and worked swiftly to ensure everyone had access to the care they requested," a Department of Corrections spokeswoman said.
"I think what it underscores is the dangers to correctional employees," Lindall said, adding that his union members face dangers every day.
"We have had ASCME members exposed to fentanyl that was sent through the mail to an inmate at another facility just a few months ago," he said.
The Illinois Department of Corrections said the correctional officers didn't need to be hospitalized but were taken there as a precaution.
"We have had numerous incidents in which foreign substances were either sent through mail or smuggled into facilities and these incidents seem to be increasing in frequency," Lindall said.
Lindall hopes that despite the revelation, the incident will be eye-opening and lead to better conditions within correctional centers.
"We have been pushing management and the department of corrections to be vigilant and more proactive than just reactive," he said.