Multiple emergency crews were on the scene of a chemical release on High Street in Boston.
The 32-story high-rise building at 99 High Street was evacuated as a precaution as Haz-Mat teams worked with property managers.
The initial belief was a chemical spill on the 18th floor of the building. Upon further review, it was not a spill but a release of bromine, which is used in water treatment.
The release happened in the mechanical room, and a ventilation system caused the odor to be detected on several other floors, according to the Boston Fire Department.
The fire department said the building ventilation system was shut down, and a separate ventilation system was used to clear the rooms affected.
The chemicals Glutaraldehyde and Sodium Hydroxide were mixed with the bromine, causing a reaction during the filling process.
Boston EMS says three people were transported to area hospitals – one to Tufts and two to MGH. Those transported had non-life-threatening injuries.
Haz-Mat teams used protective suits to check air quality.
Update: this was not a spill. It was a release in the mechanical room on floor 18 of bromine, used in water treatment.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 8, 2016
Room has a ventilation system that has already cleared some of the release however it did cause a smell on several floors
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 8, 2016
Building ventilation system was shut down as a matter of protocol. Separate vent system in room operated to clear mech room
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 8, 2016