Hazmat Team At Brandeis University Finds Sodium Cyanide

WALTHAM MA — The mysterious substance found on Brandeis University campus and that had officials at call police was Sodium cyanide according a spokesperson for the univeristy.

"Waltham Police and Fire Departments and a Hazardous Materials team responded; the substance has been removed and there is no danger to the community. No one was injured," said Julie Jette in an email to Patch.

Jette said out of an abundance of caution, the 177 students who live in the residential bulding known as the "Mods" were evacuated.

"We anticipate students will be able to return very soon," said Jette just after 5 p.m. noting that Student residents of the Mods would be notified separately when they’re able to return.

Jette said Waltham Police do not anticipate making any arrests in relation to this. It's unclear just what the chemical was doing in the dorm. Sodium cyanide is toxic to humans and can be deadly. It's usually a powdery white chemical, mainly used for gold mining. Jette said she could not provide further details.

A university employee called police around 1:45 p.m. to report that a student may have been exposed to an unknown substance in one of the buildings, Waltham Fire Department spokesman Lt. Scott Perry told Patch earlier.

Emergency crews set up a perimeter behind the Shapiro Gym and evacuated the Foster Student Living Center, commonly known as the Mods, as a state hazmat came to help with an investigation.

"I don't believe they've transported anyone out of there," said Perry earlier. "Right now they're just being cautious. This could just be simple, but you never can be too careful."

The MA Fire Marshal's Office later confirmed that the chemical found in a building was Sodium Cyanide.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff