Mercury Cases in MO

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They don't mention cases of poisoning from injection ...

Mo. Agency Sees Spike in Mercury Cases

By KELLY WIESE (Associated Press Writer)

From Associated PressMarch 10, 2006 7:35 PM EST

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri officials already have responded to nine incidents involving mercury this year, compared with 16 all of last year, the Department of Natural Resources said Friday.

The agency said many incidents involved children who found mercury and brought it home or to school, contaminating those areas. It wants Missouri residents to be aware of mercury's health hazards, which can range from short-term nausea to permanent nerve damage.

Department spokesman Kerry Cordray said the agency can't pinpoint a particular cause for the incidents.

"Even though we're trying to boost public awareness, it may be greater public awareness itself that is bringing in a larger number of calls on these things," Cordray said. "In the past, folks might not have even reported it."

Mercury can be found in items such as thermometers, fluorescent lamps and school science labs. The department encouraged residents to quit using items containing mercury and replace them with mercury-free alternatives, such as digital thermometers.

The department highlighted some incidents it handled to illustrate common problems.

In Crane, the department's Environmental Emergency Response program was told Jan. 19 about a mercury release. Four children had found a bottle of mercury inside a storage building at the Crane swimming pool. The children took the mercury to their homes and to two schools, spilling some at each location.

The department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cleaned and monitored the homes, schools and pool area. The department said mercury vapor levels at one of three affected homes required extensive cleanup. Workers had to remove clothing, carpeting and personal items before levels dropped to acceptable health standards. The municipal pool also needed an extensive cleanup.

In ton, the response program learned Feb. 15 of a mercury release that occurred Dec. 29 at the Odd Fellows meeting lodge. Because it was not immediately reported, it was possible many people were exposed to the mercury.

"The ton spill pointed out how critical it is to notify authorities quickly after any mercury is spilled," said Alan Reinkemeyer, director of the department's Environmental Services Program.

In that episode, some children found mercury in the pendulum of an old grandfather clock at the lodge. They removed it, played with it and took some home. Lodge members tried to clean up the mercury with a vacuum cleaner, which the agency said makes a spill worse.

The response program and the EPA cleaned and monitored the lodge and about 30 homes and vehicles that were potentially affected. They found highly elevated mercury vapor levels in two homes and one vehicle, immediately evacuated both homes and cleaned and decontaminated them all. Several people had to undergo medical tests to determine the mercury levels in their bodies. The lodge is closed until cleanup is complete, the agency said.

People exposed to high levels of mercury vapors for a short time can experience symptoms including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes and eye irritation, the agency said. Children younger than 12, women who are pregnant or plan to be, and nursing mothers are most at risk from mercury exposure.

Long-term exposure can lead to tremors, decreased hand-eye coordination, memory problems, insomnia and irritability. If further exposure is not prevented, permanent nervous system damage can develop.

Cordray said small incidents such as a broken thermometer can probably be cleaned up by homeowners but anyone with concerns should contact the agency.

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To report a hazardous substance or mercury spill: 573-634-2436.

On the Net:

Department of Natural Resources: http://www.dnr.mo.gov

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maybe the mercury in side the children is drawing them to the mother load ha ha sarah fairchild <sjfairchild@...> wrote: They don't mention cases of poisoning from injection ... Mo. Agency Sees Spike in Mercury Cases By KELLY WIESE (Associated Press Writer) From Associated PressMarch 10, 2006 7:35 PM EST JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri officials already have responded to nine incidents involving mercury this year, compared with 16 all of last year, the Department of Natural Resources said Friday. The agency said many incidents involved children who found mercury and brought it home or to school, contaminating those areas. It wants Missouri residents to be aware of mercury's health hazards, which can range from short-term nausea to permanent nerve damage. Department spokesman Kerry Cordray said the agency can't pinpoint a particular cause for the incidents. "Even though we're trying to boost public awareness, it may be greater public awareness itself that is bringing in a larger number of calls on these things," Cordray said. "In the past, folks might not have even reported it." Mercury can be found in items such as thermometers, fluorescent lamps and school science labs. The department encouraged residents to quit using items containing mercury and replace them with mercury-free alternatives, such as digital thermometers. The department highlighted some incidents it handled to illustrate common problems. In

Crane, the department's Environmental Emergency Response program was told Jan. 19 about a mercury release. Four children had found a bottle of mercury inside a storage building at the Crane swimming pool. The children took the mercury to their homes and to two schools, spilling some at each location. The department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cleaned and monitored the homes, schools and pool area. The department said mercury vapor levels at one of three affected homes required extensive cleanup. Workers had to remove clothing, carpeting and personal items before levels dropped to acceptable health standards. The municipal pool also needed an extensive cleanup. In ton, the response program learned Feb. 15 of a mercury release that occurred Dec. 29 at the Odd Fellows meeting lodge. Because it was not immediately reported, it was possible many people were exposed to the mercury. "The ton spill pointed out how critical

it is to notify authorities quickly after any mercury is spilled," said Alan Reinkemeyer, director of the department's Environmental Services Program. In that episode, some children found mercury in the pendulum of an old grandfather clock at the lodge. They removed it, played with it and took some home. Lodge members tried to clean up the mercury with a vacuum cleaner, which the agency said makes a spill worse. The response program and the EPA cleaned and monitored the lodge and about 30 homes and vehicles that were potentially affected. They found highly elevated mercury vapor levels in two homes and one vehicle, immediately evacuated both homes and cleaned and decontaminated them all. Several people had to undergo medical tests to determine the mercury levels in their bodies. The lodge is closed until cleanup is complete, the agency said. People exposed to high levels of mercury vapors for a short time can experience symptoms including lung

damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes and eye irritation, the agency said. Children younger than 12, women who are pregnant or plan to be, and nursing mothers are most at risk from mercury exposure. Long-term exposure can lead to tremors, decreased hand-eye coordination, memory problems, insomnia and irritability. If further exposure is not prevented, permanent nervous system damage can develop. Cordray said small incidents such as a broken thermometer can probably be cleaned up by homeowners but anyone with concerns should contact the agency. --- To report a hazardous substance or mercury spill: 573-634-2436. On the Net: Department of Natural Resources: http://www.dnr.mo.gov