BRAINTREE, MA — A chemical spill at a Braintree medical office sent seven people to the hospital Wednesday afternoon.
The Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates building on Grossman Drive was evacuated after a vial of liquid phenol, which is used as an antiseptic, spilled on the first floor of the building, Braintree Fire Lt. Fred Viola said.
Viola said several employees were complaining of respiratory issues and after an attempted cleanup, the remaining liquid was brought down to the basement.
Twenty people were treated on the scene for minor injuries including high blood pressure, Viola said, and seven of the building's employees were taken to South Shore hospital as a precaution.
One Braintree firefighter was also treated on scene, Viola said. The spill drew a large emergency response with dozens of ambulances and fire trucks that snarled traffic on nearby Union Street.
It was unknown Wednesday afternoon when the Harvard Vanguard building would reopen; Viola said this was dependent on word from the town's Board of Health and a state hazmat team.
In a statement on Twitter, Atrius Health, the company that operates Harvard Vanguard in Braintree, said they were "working closely" with local authorities.
"The safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority," the company said. "Patients will be contacted to reschedule their appointments."
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