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Hazardous-materials collection interrupted by some really hazardous materials

By adamg on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 3:45pm

A Boston hazardous-waste collection effort at UMass Boston was interrupted around 1 p.m. when somebody brought in "some chemicals that required immediate attention," the Boston Fire Department reports.

We found nitrocellulose, ether and picric acid were dropped off by a family of a retired doctor.

Neighborhoods: 
Dorchester
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UMass Boston
Columbia Point


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Comments

By brianjdamico on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 4:37pm.

"ether" is more likely than not diethyl ether, a lovely flammable solvent that forms explosive peroxides when stored over time. Pairs nicely with the other two, which as you've linked to, are flammable and/or explosive also.

BPD Captain Greland tweeted out a photo of the bottles (and a video of the detonation), they looked pretty old.

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By Ron Newman on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 8:20pm.

I'm not finding it on the @bostonpolice twitter page (nor on @bostonfire either)

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By brianjdamico on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 8:47pm.

https://twitter.com/captaingreland/status/650378804247068673/video/1

https://twitter.com/captaingreland/status/650378493591748608

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By SwirlyGrrl on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 6:42pm.

They are lucky that these things survived transport!

Amazing the stuff that was "just around" in schools and private collections/labs/offices. My husband's high school was being cleaned out ahead of a renovation and they found an 1832 bottle of ether. It had been moved several times (that particular school opened in 1970) The bomb squad dug a trench and blew it up!

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By Bob Leponge on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 2:28pm.

So let's say you find yourself with an ancient bottle of ether in your hand -- perhaps because you picked up an old bottle in the basement, blew the dust off the label and read "ETHER". Unknown amount of peroxides have formed over the years.

Seems that if it's already in your hand, perhaps carrying it outside and pouring it out on the ground might be preferable to setting it back down (clink!) and calling the bomb squad?

Any knowledgeable person want to comment?

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By SwirlyGrrl on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 5:24pm.

You should set it down and evacuate.

Pouring it out not only disturbs it more than gently setting it down, it also exposes you to ether and can result in oxidation of the contents.

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By Bob Leponge on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 4:55pm.

From a chem safety site:

"IMPORTANT NOTE: Peroxide crystals may form on the container plug or the threads of the lid and detonate when the lid is twisted. Do not open a liquid organic peroxide or peroxide-forming chemical if crystals or a precipitate are present"

Gnarly indeed.

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By brianjdamico on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 8:14pm.

Yeah, the danger with old ether is the peroxides that crystallize, those are what is explosive, and contact explosives when they are dried out. So, letting the ether evaporate would increase your explosion risk.

Of course, even fresh ether is dangerous, as its really f'in flammable. When we have to use it in the lab, we order the amount we need, and dispose of any extra well before the given expiration date.

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By Roy Smith on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 9:12pm.

The peroxides often form on the twist off top and opening the can trigger an explosion. Put it down gently and call 911.

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