| Public Health Consequences of Mercury Spills: Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance System, 1993-1998 Perri Zeitz, Maureen F. Orr, and Wendy E. Kaye Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Abstract
We analyzed data from states that participated in the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system maintained by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to describe the public health consequences of mercury releases. From 1993 through 1998, HSEES captured 406 events in which mercury was the only substance released. Schools and universities, private residences, and health care facilities were the most frequent locations involved in mercury events, and human error was the contributing factor for most of the releases. Fourteen persons experienced adverse health effects as a result of the releases. An additional 31 persons had documented elevated levels of mercury in the blood. No fatalities resulted. Evacuations were ordered in 90 (22%) of the events, and the length of evacuation ranged from 1 hr to 46 days. Mercury spills have a significant public health impact and economic burden. Some actions that could potentially lessen the consequences of mercury spills are to switch to mercury-free alternatives, train people in the safe handling and disposal of mercury, and keep mercury securely stored when it is necessary to have it on hand. Key words: acute exposure, chemical spills, hazardous substances, mercury, surveillance. Environ Health Perspect 110:129-132 (2002) . [Online 10 January 2002] http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2002/110p129-132zeitz/ abstract.html Address correspondence to P.A. Zeitz, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA. Telephone: (404) 498-0573. Fax: (404) 498-0079. E-mail: afp4@cdc.gov We extend our grateful appreciation to our partners in the participating state health departments who, with diligence and dedication, researched and gathered much of the data for this publication. Without their assistance, ideas, and comments, this work would not have been possible. Received 12 March 2001 ; accepted 25 June 2001.
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