An attempt to recreate a tornado in a science experiment has injured 13 people, including several children.

Eight children and two adults needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and minor burns after the ill-fated experiment at the Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum in Reno, Nevada.

Several suffered acid burns to their hands, arms and faces.

Another four people were treated at the scene.

Police said emergency crews were called to reports of a possible explosion shortly after 4pm local time on Wednesday.

City of Reno spokesman Matthew Brown said a preliminary investigation found that rather than an explosion, the routine experiment had created a "chemical flash".

He said the effect was similar to that of someone throwing petrol on a fire.

Officials said museum staff were using methyl alcohol and boric acid mixture to exhibit the whirling effect of a tornado.