Emergency crews responded to Bassick High School in Bridgeport after reports of a discharge of pepper spray.
Police said the building is being evacuated and several students are affected.
They said the emergency command center received several calls around 8:15 a.m. about an accidental discharge of pepper spray at the high school.
Police said the preliminary reports indicate the building was being evacuated and numerous students are affected by the substance.
"When I came in, I started coughing because the air — it tasted kinda spicy," senior Carlos Thomas told WNBC.
Parents were scrambling to pick up their children.
"I got concerned because my kids have asthma," Stephanie Perez, of Bridgeport, said.
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"My grandson, he has bad allergies. That's why I came," Barbara Jackson, of Bridgeport, said.
The Office of the Interim Superintendent said the school dismissed for the day at about 11:25 a.m. The building has been cleared to resume classes Friday.
"They had us all walk to our fire drill locations and usually a fire drill is like 15 to 20 minutes. We were out there for about an hour and thirty minutes. Then they brought us to the school, to the gym," junior Joel Mendez said.
Firefighters, police and paramedics responded. Authorities said everyone affected was treated at the scene and sent home with others.
Health and safety officials are continuing to test air quality. The incident is under investigation.
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