Bottle of Volatile Acid Prompts Evacuation
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
A section of San Marin High School was evacuated after workers discovered a bottle of explosive acid that had been sitting for decades in a science lab.
The chemical, picric acid, becomes increasingly volatile over time as its water content evaporates and leaves a crystal residue that can blow up if shaken or moved, according to Novato fire Battalion Chief Eric Nickel. “It’s probably been there for 30 years,” he said.
Explosives technicians destroyed the chemicals after school ended.
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