Management of a thrift store in a Boston neighborhood says a large hazmat response at one of its locations was the result of someone unknowingly donating an antique container for radioactive material.A representative of Fenway Health, which owns and operates Boomerangs thrift stores, and the manager of the store location said a donation was this made to the store this week that included a small lead container with a screw top. An employee of the Boomerangs store in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood eventually recognized the item as a "lead pig," which was used to transport radioactive materials and shield people from radiation.The discovery prompted Boston Emergency Medical Services personnel and hazmat teams to respond to the store.Investigators found the "lead pig" did at some point hold a type of radioactive material that is often found as a powdery substance. Inspectors determined the container had a very low level of Type A radiation, which should not be a concern for staff or patrons. A full inspection of the store was conducted and it was found to be safe. The "lead pig" was removed by the proper authorities for further investigation.As a precaution, three Boomerangs employees who directly handled the "lead pig" without gloves were transported to Boston Medical Center for an evaluation and further testing. All three employees were released from the hospital Thursday night and are doing fine, according to management.Dee Moore, the manager of the store, further reiterated in a Facebook post that everyone who was in the store Wednesday and Thursday should not be worried about radiation exposure."This was a first for many folks involved, and given the level of risk and unusual circumstances, the utmost precautions and care were taken to ensure that the item was removed safely and that there was no potential spread of the contamination," Moore wrote. "We're grateful to the teams of people who helped us!"Bob Johnson, the director of safety, security and facilities for Fenway Health, said in a statement that the Boston Police Department does not deem the donation of the "lead pig" as a criminal act. But until the police investigation is complete, Johnson said the company will remain on high alert for the store in Jamaica Plain to keep the store and employees safe."(Fenway Health) Safety and Security will conduct a full review of this situation and review the process of receiving donations," Johnson stated. "This appears to be someone with good intent to make a donation who didn't realize what this item may have been."The store was closed Friday due to the emotional impact on the shop's staff, but it reopened on Saturday.Boomerangs has other locations.
Management of a thrift store in a Boston neighborhood says a large hazmat response at one of its locations was the result of someone unknowingly donating an antique container for radioactive material.
A representative of Fenway Health, which owns and operates Boomerangs thrift stores, and the manager of the store location said a donation was this made to the store this week that included a small lead container with a screw top.
An employee of the Boomerangs store in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood eventually recognized the item as a "lead pig," which was used to transport radioactive materials and shield people from radiation.
The discovery prompted Boston Emergency Medical Services personnel and hazmat teams to respond to the store.
Investigators found the "lead pig" did at some point hold a type of radioactive material that is often found as a powdery substance. Inspectors determined the container had a very low level of Type A radiation, which should not be a concern for staff or patrons. A full inspection of the store was conducted and it was found to be safe. The "lead pig" was removed by the proper authorities for further investigation.
As a precaution, three Boomerangs employees who directly handled the "lead pig" without gloves were transported to Boston Medical Center for an evaluation and further testing. All three employees were released from the hospital Thursday night and are doing fine, according to management.
Dee Moore, the manager of the store, further reiterated in a Facebook post that everyone who was in the store Wednesday and Thursday should not be worried about radiation exposure.
"This was a first for many folks involved, and given the level of risk and unusual circumstances, the utmost precautions and care were taken to ensure that the item was removed safely and that there was no potential spread of the contamination," Moore wrote. "We're grateful to the teams of people who helped us!"
Bob Johnson, the director of safety, security and facilities for Fenway Health, said in a statement that the Boston Police Department does not deem the donation of the "lead pig" as a criminal act. But until the police investigation is complete, Johnson said the company will remain on high alert for the store in Jamaica Plain to keep the store and employees safe.
"(Fenway Health) Safety and Security will conduct a full review of this situation and review the process of receiving donations," Johnson stated. "This appears to be someone with good intent to make a donation who didn't realize what this item may have been."
The store was closed Friday due to the emotional impact on the shop's staff, but it reopened on Saturday.
Boomerangs has other locations.
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