By Laura Crimaldi and Edward Mason
The Boston Herald
BOSTON — Emergency responders had to be rushed to the hospital yesterday after they were sickened by powerful vapors from two 55-gallon drums containing gas and oil that were stored in a South Boston building where city officials found an illegal transfer station.
Four firefighters, two emergency medical services staff and a city inspector were taken to Boston Medical Center after they complained about lightheadedness, skin irritation, hives and respiratory distress at the West Second Street location, said Boston Fire Department officials.
The firefighters and inspector complained of a rash around their necks, said BFD spokesman Steven MacDonald. All seven were decontaminated, Emergency Medical Services spokeswoman Jennifer Mehigan said.
State Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Joseph Ferson said the property is owned by George Fabrizio. He could not be reached yesterday.
Officials were alerted to the site at about 8:47 a.m. after a street sweeper operator saw a truck pull up to the open building, which was filled with debris, trash and vehicles, Inspectional Services Department spokeswoman Lisa Timberlake said.
“It looks like it was a drop-off site for years. There’s lots of junk in there,” said Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Dunbar.
Ferson said both drums have been sealed off. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring the air for volatile organic compounds such as benzine, a spokesman said.
Dunbar said that the site was categorized as a Level 3 hazardous materials scene, but was later lowered to a standard response. No one was evacuated from the area. A building inspector also responded because the rear of the building is collapsed, Timberlake said. The site is surrounded by newer residential developments.
“I’m obviously concerned for my wife,” said Michael Sylvia, 33, who lives across the street. “She’s three weeks from her due date. I certainly don’t want her exposed to anything.”
Copyright 2009 Boston Herald Inc.