Braintree Doctors Office Evacuated After Chemical Spill

BRAINTREE, MA — The a medical building on Grossman Drive was evacuated after 60 milliliters of chemicals were split, according to fire officials.

Emergency officials were called to Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates around noon Wednesday after six to eight people were exposed to phenol, a common chemical disinfectant. Fire Chief James O'Brien said the first floor was originally evacuated because that was where the spill happened, but after a hazmat team arrived, the decision was made to evacuate the rest of the building.

"When phenol is released, it causes a burning sensation," O'Brien said. "Six to eight people were taken to South Shore Hospital for precautionary measures. There were no injuries."

Harvard Vanguard will be shut down for the rest of the day while emergency officials work to clean up the spilled phenol, Marci Sindell, Harvard Vanguard's chief marketing officer said. Patients' appointments were re-scheduled to other site or postponed until Thursday.

"At our Harvard Vanguard Braintree site, a small amount of phenol was accidentally dropped on the floor," Sindell said in a statement. "Some patients were taken to the hospital to be evaluated for possible respiratory distress. With the Braintree police, we are evaluating people who were nearby for potential respiratory distress. The health and safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority, and we are working closely with the Braintree police and fire departments and following their instructions at this time."

Sindell said all staff that were hospitalized have since been released.