Hazmat Team Investigates Suspicious Item At UMass Boston

BOSTON (CBS) -- A hazmat team investigated a suspicious item brought to a public waste drop-off event at UMass Boston on Saturday.

The day was set up by the city of Boston for people to get rid of things like TV monitors, computers, oils, paints and similar items between 9 a.m.-and-2 p.m. However, one person brought some chemicals that were thought to be more dangerous than expected.

Boston police officers and firefighters were called in, and firefighters wore hazmat suits while investigating the situation.

Investigators say the chemicals were isolated, neutralized in a dumpster and then disposed. Boston Firefighter Steve MacDonald identified the chemicals as picric acid and dry nitrocellulose, both explosive, and ether.

Fire officials say substances were brought in by the family of a doctor who had passed away.

No one was hurt during the incident.