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MIT Building Closed Over Suspected Toxic Chemical
31 Aug
Summary
- MIT building closed due to suspected unauthorized toxic chemical synthesis.
- Student self-reported creating highly toxic dimethyl mercury.
- Decontamination efforts continue as a precaution at the university.
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology building was slated to remain closed until at least Aug. 30 due to a graduate student's alleged creation of an unauthorized, highly toxic chemical compound. The student reportedly synthesized dimethyl mercury on Aug. 26 and self-reported to an emergency room.
Dimethyl mercury is severely toxic, with less than 0.1 milliliters constituting a dangerous dose. This incident echoes the 1997 death of Dartmouth professor Karen Wetterhahn after a spill. MIT stated the student showed no initial signs of mercury exposure, and updated information questions the synthesis.
The affected building remains closed for specialized decontamination efforts. High-touch surfaces in common areas of the student's residence hall were professionally cleaned, and their individual unit decontamination is ongoing. Officials assess the risk of secondary exposure as very low.
