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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was an interesting day at the Boomerangs thrift store in Jamaica Plain on Thursday to say the least. The manager of the store, Dee, said on Facebook that the location had to close after a customer unknowingly donated a lead pig antique that was often used to transport radioactive material.
The store and staff, including those that touched the item without gloves, were immediately checked out by first responders and officials at Fenway Health. According to the store's posting, customers and employees that were present for the incident have nothing to worry about after all tests came back.
The pig in question was found to have a very low level of Type A radiation— something that is not a concern, according to Fenway Health.
"This was a first for many folks involved and given the level of risk and unusual circumstances, the utmost precautions and care were taken to ensure that the item was removed safely and that there was no potential spread of the contamination. We're grateful to the teams of people who helped us!" Dee said.
Director of Safety, Security, and Facilities at Fenway Health Robert Johnson says the Boston Police Department does not consider the incident a criminal act, but will keep on high alert.
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"Safety and Security will conduct a full review of this situation and review the process of receiving donations. This appears to be someone with good intent to make a donation who didn't realize what this item may have been," Johnson said.
Store representatives say Boomerangs is expected to open back up on Saturday.
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