Stone Crab Kerfuffle Causes Evacuation at High School

Report on haz-mat call Jan.17 at Nashua High School South, from Nashua Fire Department:

Fire Alarm received a call from NHS-South just before 12 p.m. today reporting a small spill of formaldehyde in a classroom.

City haz-mat team responded to assess situation. Upon arrival the team leaders (Capt.'s MacDonald and Buxton) observed the classroom in question and were briefed by the teacher as to what had happened. It was determined that a student had dropped a small glass jar that contained a "stone crab" specimen that was being preserved in a formaldehyde solution.

Taking all necessary precautions, the teacher removed the students from this and nearby classrooms and made appropriate notifications within NHS-South. NFR Haz-mat team entered the effected classroom to perform air monitoring and identification of the liquid. All readings came back normal and the team mitigated the incident by packaging the substance for disposal.

NHS-South officials contacted a certified clean-up contractor to dispose of the material and perform any necessary cleanup, which will take place prior to the room being used. All students were medically monitored by NHS-South school nurse and all parents were notified. No students or faculty required any medical attention.

Related story: Report of Haz-Mat Call at Nashua High School