Dangerous Chemical Uncovered At Sudbury Home During Cleanout

SUDBURY, MA — A potentially dangerous chemical was safely removed from a Sudbury home after being discovered during a home cleanout, according to Massachusetts State Police.

A jar of picric acid was discovered during a residential cleanout. Sudbury police and fire crews, along with the State Police Bomb Squad and DFS Joint Hazard Incident Response Team technicians, helped to remove the chemical.

State police said because of its explosive properties and degraded condition, the bottle was overpacked and transported for safe disposal at a separate location with help from Sudbury's Department of Public Works.

Picric acid is typically safe when hydrated, but can become a powerful explosive when dry, according to Stanford University. When dry, the chemical is highly sensitive to heat, shock and friction.

Proper personal protective equipment is required when handling the substance, the school's Environmental Health and Safety Department said.

No injuries were reported, and authorities said the situation was handled safely with no threat to the public.

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