Chemical drain opener, chlorine mix to create hazardous vapor sending two to the hospital

September 21, 2007

Two Southborough residents were transported to the hospital after being affected by vapors created when an acid-base drain unclogging product mixed with chlorine (from a cleaner) in a toilet bowl on September 21, 2007.

The 9-1-1 call was received at 1:55 PM for a mother and son both affected by the vapors. Two firefighters responded in Engine 22 along with Chief John Mauro. The two other on-duty firefighters were on another medical emergency call, so an ambulance from Framingham was requested. Upon arrival, firefighters found the two residents outside, and a very strong chlorine vapor emanating from the house. The two residents were attended to by medical personnel while firefighters had dispatch contact the manufacturer of the product. It was determined that when the acid-based product mixes with chlorine, chlorine gas can be produced.

Firefighters vented the house with a fan and stood by until the arrival of a ladder truck from Framingham to act as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) so that the two Southborough firefighters could enter the house, remove the hazard, and ventilate the house. The RIT is required when firefighters enter any hazardous environment using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The RIT is assigned to assist and rescue firefighters if a problem occurs. A minimum of two fully equipped personnel from Framingham Fire stood by as a rescue team while the two available Southborough firefighters entered the building.

The hazard was successfully removed and both occupants returned home after being treated and released from the hospital.

Captain Joseph Hubley holds the drain opener container.

Southborough and Framingham personnel responded to the incident.