32-story building evacuated ‘as a precaution’ following chemical release
The Boston Fire Department responded to a 32-story building in downtown Boston Friday morning after chemicals used in water treatment were released on one of the floors.
Fire officials said the building at 99 High St. was evacuated “as a precaution” and one worker who was near the released chemicals is being transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
No other injuries at this time and those transported had non life threatening injuries.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 8, 2016
By the time firefighters arrived at the scene around 11:40 a.m., the room on the 18th floor where the chemical, bromine, was released had already been slightly cleared by the ventilation system. But the released chemical, used to treat water in the building’s HVAC system, still caused a smell on other floors, according to the department.
Building ventilation system was shut down as a matter of protocol. Separate vent system in room operated to clear mech room
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 8, 2016
As of 1 p.m., haz mat technicians wearing protective suits continued to check air quality in the rooms.
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