5:19
From: Matthew D Shoulders
X
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2026 11:18 AM
To: chemistry-all ; chem-facilities
Subject: Update on Building 18 Lab Incident
Dear Chemistry Colleagues,
I am writing to provide an update on efforts to reopen Building 18 safely.
A specialized team from Triumvirate Environmental worked overnight on decontamination efforts in the building. This work includes wipe-downs of relevant surfaces in the lab and common areas, as well as the safe disposal of items that may have been contaminated.
Decontamination work will continue throughout the day, and the building will remain closed until the work is complete.
In addition to our health and safety experts, we have been working continuously with staff and colleagues from departments across the Institute. Our highest
priority is community safety, and we continue to make decisions accordingly and gather as much information as we can.
It remains the case that, based on the information available, this was a localized issue with only one student directly exposed, and this student was the individual working with the compound. Their reported use of dimethyl mercury was unauthorized. MIT does not allow the purchase or synthesis of dimethylmercury.
I want to reiterate that, based on the information available to me, our industrial hygienists, MIT Health medical experts, and other resources we've consulted,
the risk of secondary or tertiary exposures remains low, given the compound's characteristics and the information available to us.
Please feel free to reach out with questions. I will continue to provide regular updates as we learn and have more to share.
With care and regards,
--Matt Shoulders
To access free assessment and testing:
M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m: Go to Occupational Health at MIT
Health or call 617-253-8552
M-F 4:30-8 n.m. and Sat-Sun 10 am.-4 n.m: visit MIT
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