California: Explosive chemical found in Berkeley home forces evacuations


Hazardous materials discovered inside a Berkeley home forced the evacuation of residents and nearby homes, authorities said.

Decades-old picric acid was found Friday in a old photography lab located in the basement of a home in the 800 block of Colusa Avenue, according to Berkeley police. Picric acid is highly volatile and is no longer commonly used. About two liters of the chemical were discovered. Officials said the substance is highly flammable and toxic and is sensitive to heat and movement.

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Source: Fox KTVU News


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