Fact Sheet
August 2006
Mercury in Schools
www.epa.gov/mercury/schools.htmINTRODUCTION
What is Mercury?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil.
It exists in three forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds,
and organic mercury compounds.
Sometimes referred to as quicksilver, elemental or metallic mercury is a shiny,
silver-white metal and is liquid at room temperature. When dropped, elemental
mercury breaks into smaller droplets, which can go through small cracks or become
strongly attached to certain materials.
A True Story
A student brought a vial of liquid elemental mercury to school one morning from
his grandfather's garage. The student shared the mercury with children on the
bus and in the boys' locker room. Liquid mercury was visible on the gym floor
and in several classrooms.
School staff determined that 61 students had come in contact with mercury.
School officials implemented emergency procedures, notified the fire department,
and began to evacuate the school. The ventilation system was shut down and the
61 students decontaminated. Mercury air concentrations were measured and found
to be above EPA levels. Mercury was also found on the bus.
Contaminated areas were cleaned up using a spill control product and by removing
contaminated carpet. Remaining localized areas that exhibited mercury concentrations
greater than 3,000 parts per trillion were treated overnight with propane heaters.
Clothing in lockers in the boys' locker room and the locker room drain were found
to exhibit greater mercury vapor concentrations. It was recommended to school
officials that the locker room remain closed until additional cleanup efforts
could be completed. The school was closed for four days, and cleanup costs exceeded
$100,000.
Mercury Sources in Schools
Mercury is used in many items found in schools, such as:
- thermometers
- barometers
- switches
- thermostats
- lamps
- chemicals in chemistry and science labs
Two major causes of mercury spills at schools are improper storage and handling of these items.
Children might find elemental mercury when they trespass in abandoned
warehouses, closed factories, or hazardous waste sites. The heavy, shiny,
silver liquid that forms little balls or beads when spilled fascinates
children. Children also have taken elemental mercury from school physics
and chemistry laboratories. Mercury can also get into schools as
the result of folk traditions and spiritual practices.
Disposal of Mercury Containing Devices
Proper disposal of used mercury-containing items is important to protect
health and the environment. Improper disposal of containers with
mercury in them might allow them to break and release mercury vapors,
which are harmful to human health and the environment.
Opportunities for the safe disposal of mercury can vary depending on
location. Many states and local agencies have developed collection/exchange
programs for mercury-containing devices such as thermometers, manometers,
thermostats, and fluorescent light bulbs. Safe disposal of mercury-containing
products is discussed on EPA’s mercury disposal Web page at: www.epa.gov/mercury/disposal.htm
Mercury Exposure is a Health Concern
Elemental mercury causes health effects primarily when it is breathed as a vapor and
absorbed through the lungs. This type of exposure can occur when elemental
mercury is spilled or products that contain elemental mercury break and expose
mercury to the air, particularly in warm or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Symptoms might include tremors, emotional changes (mood swings, irritability,
nervousness, excessive shyness), insomnia, neuromuscular changes (weakness,
muscle atrophy, twitching), headaches, disturbances in sensations, changes
in nerve responses, or performance deficits on tests of intellectual function. Kidney
effects, respiratory failure and death can occur with increased exposure. People
concerned about exposure to elemental mercury should consult their physicians.
If there is a Mercury Spill in School
- Isolate the area.
- Turn down the temperature.
- Open windows.
- Don't let anyone walk through the mercury.
- Don't vacuum.
- Contact the local or state health or state environmental agency.
IOWA: (515) 281-8694
KANSAS: (785) 296-1679
MISSOURI: (573) 634-2436
NEBRASKA: (402) 326-0231
EPA: (913) 281-0991