Residents were told to begin flushing their pips Monday evening at 7 p.m. and through 7 a.m. the next morning, and were told by Wednesday that the ban would be permanently lifted. On the day the ban was lifted, more than 100 residents had gone to the ER reporting symptoms relating to exposure to the chemical.

"My ears were burning," said a 24-year-old resident who decided to take the plunge and use his shower.

"I've got red places on my feet and back and a red rash on my back," he said. "I don't think it was handled properly."

"I think it was way too soon. I don't think they had very much information about it."