Mixing Pool Chemicals Causes MA Home Explosion

July 1, 2020

Whitman firefighters and a state hazmat team responded to the incident in which a 29-year-old man was injured in a blast caused by mixing an older pool chemical and a newly purchased one.

By Joe DiFazio

Source The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, Mass.

Whitman, MA, firefighters and a state hazardous material responded to a chemical explosion Tuesday when a mixed two pool chemicals together at his home.

WHITMAN, MA—A 29-year-old Whitman man was sent to the hospital on Tuesday night after mixing two pool chemicals together "causing several minor explosions," according to the Whitman Fire Department.

The man's injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

In a statement, the fire department said the man was mixing an older chemical and a new one he recently purchased, and the chemical reaction of the two caused the explosions at the home at 44 Hilltop Road. Firefighters responded to the scene at about 7:48 p.m. A state hazardous material responded to help with the chemical clean up and mitigation, which took about two hours. Whitman police also responded to assist.

The incident was considered a "Tier 1 Hazardous Material Situation," the most minor designation which can be handled by local authorities. Neighbors were not evacuated, and firefighters said there was no threat to the public.

"A job well done to the members of the Whitman Fire Department and all who responded tonight; it was your combined, swift response and partnership that enabled us to quickly mitigate and clear this dangerous spill and help the victim," Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno said in a statement. "We're fortunate to have such dedicated local and regional partnerships, including the District One State Hazardous Materials Team and the Whitman Police Department."

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