The Iowa Department of Corrections has provided an update following a September 2 incident at the Newton Correctional Facility.
The incident was triggered by fumes from a chemical adhesive being used by a third-party contractor during routine roofing work at the facility. As a precaution, staff and incarcerated individuals were evaluated after the fumes were reported.
Nine staff members and 10 incarcerated individuals were evaluated and have since been cleared. Medical staff have completed on-site reassessments of everyone who may have been affected and will continue monitoring them as a precaution.
Following a safety review, officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections and the Iowa Department of Administrative Services determined the facility is safe and has resumed normal operations.
The Department of Corrections says the health and safety of staff and incarcerated individuals remains a priority.
