HAZMAT UNIT RESPONDS TO TRANS 2-NONENAL SPILL AT GRAND HOTEL

MACKINAC ISLAND (MI). The Mackinac Island Fire Department HAZMAT unit was dispatched to Grand Hotel in the early morning hours yesterday after reports of an "old people smell" were reported lingering on the third floor.

"An early notification and response was key," said MIFD Chief Jason St. Onge. "This was a classic dump and roll of the chemical Trans 2-Nonenal. A decontamination team is currently underway performing clean-up. The source has been issued fresh tennis balls for her walker to help prevent future spills."

Trans 2-Nonenal (C9H16O), has an odor perceived as orris, fat and cucumber. Its odor has been associated with human body odor alterations during aging. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for the chemical, it can cause irritation if inhaled and has a flashpoint of 174 degrees.

"This is why smoking is illegal at Island hotels," said St. Onge. "One reckless cigarette and this old bitty could've gone up in flames. We got lucky."

Mackinac County Emergency Coordinator Bryce Tracy led the decontamination efforts.

"Training and preparation is everything," said Tracy. "We were ready."