(NECN: Greg Wayland, Boston) – Four TSA workers were taken to the hospital after a strange odor coming from a passenger’s bag started to irritate their eyes.
It happened around 8 a.m. Monday in the Delta Airline’s bag room.
This has turned into another cautionary tale for travelers about being careful about what you put in your luggage, especially if it smells strong.
The strange odor turned out to be coming from camphor. It's a material with a strong odor that has many uses, including a moth and mice repellant.
"The checked baggage screening room was cleared by Massport Fire Rescue and the Hazmat Team and resumed normal operations at approximately 10:10 a.m.,” said TSA spokesperson Ann Davis. “It was determined that the item in question was camphor, a material with a strong odor that has many uses, including as a moth and mice repellent. The passengers who owned the bag were questioned, but not charged. They have been rebooked on a flight to Beijing tomorrow. They were originally flying today to Beijing via Newark Liberty Airport on Delta #1285.”
The Massachusetts State Police released the following statement:
"Troopers and Hazmat personnel identified the source of the odor as a common household chemical item that a couple had placed into their bags to ward off mice. The chemical was disposed of, and the situation determined to pose no threat. The couple was traveling overseas. They were allowed to continue on their way, and the bag was allowed on board. The room was aired out; no one who smelled the odor required medical attention. The scene has been cleared.
Massachusetts State Police."
Three of the employees taken to Mass General have been released.
