MIT student claims to synthesize dangerous chemical, prompting hazmat response

Key Points:

• A graduate student at MIT reported synthesizing dimethyl mercury, a highly toxic chemical, prompting decontamination efforts in the chemistry building known as Building 18 or the Dreyfus Building.
• The student was not authorized to work with dimethyl mercury, and initial blood tests show no sign of mercury exposure, though the student remains under medical supervision.
• Dimethyl mercury is extremely hazardous, capable of being absorbed through the skin, and has been linked to fatal incidents, requiring stringent protective measures.
• MIT closed Building 18 and involved city emergency responders for cleanup, while also disinfecting common areas in the student's residence hall as a precaution; the building remains closed pending further investigation.
• Officials maintain that there is a very low risk of secondary or tertiary exposure and have contacted individuals who were near the student or lab space during the incident.