When Lisa Maier’s aunt passed away four years ago, she brought home some of her belongings. The last thing Maier imagined was that one of the boxes contained explosive materials.

A frequent seller on Ebay, Maier recently posted her aunt’s 1930s first aid kit on the website. It garnered an unusual response.

“Another seller said to me, ‘You should know that this has an explosive in it and you should call the fire department,” Maier says.

The item in question is called “picric acid,” a chemical compound commonly used as an explosive. In the early 20th century, picric was used as an antiseptic and a treatment for burns, malaria, herpes, and smallpox. It was often included in first aid kits.

Maier says picric acid is not dangerous when wet, but over long periods of time it can dry out and crystallize.

“It can be an explosive from friction or movement – anything can set it off,” she said.

Upon learning about the dangerous item in her home, Maier carefully carried it outside and put it on the farthest corner of her property on Scenic Lane in Eastsound.

“It probably wasn’t the wisest thing, but I just wanted it out of the house,” she said.

Maier called the sheriff and Orcas Fire and Rescue. The picric acid was roped off and a deputy stood guard all night until the regional bomb squad could arrive the next morning, Feb. 1.

Members of the bomb squad responded to the scene and made the item safe for transport to the public works yard, where it was safely detonated.

“I commend all those involved for taking all the necessary steps to bring this situation to a safe resolution,” said Sheriff Rob Nou. “Improper handling or disposal could have resulted in a tragic outcome.”

Maier says bomb responders told her picric acid is one of the most explosive materials they deal with.

“I want people to know about this,” she said. “I had absolutely no idea.”