On September 6, 2011, Environmental Emergency Responders (EER) contacted Verona High School, in Verona, MO, regarding a small mercury release in the school’s laboratory from a dropped thermometer. The room was immediately isolated. The science teacher undertook cleanup following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -recommendedguidelines. The room was ventilated. No other exposures were reported.
Emergency responders conducted air monitoring at the site and discovered several visible mercury beads on the floor in the classroom. EER staff utilized the mercury vacuum to remove any remaining mercury beads. The classroom and hallway were mopped twice with a HgX solution.
Department Environmental Emergency Responder vacuums mercury spill, Verona High School
On September 13, 2011, EER received a call from Excelsior Springs Hospital about a mercury release from old medical equipment stored in the basement.
Hospital staff performed a cleanup. EER provided local hazardous material contractor contact information for contaminated debris disposal.
EER staff conducted screening of the hospital basement along with an EPA representative. Due to concerns regarding elevated levels, further action was required. However since this is a private business, a contractor was hired by the hospital with no further action by the department.
Mercury is toxic when inhaled. For more information on cleaning up mercury spills, visit mercury cleanup.
To report an environmental emergency, including mercury spills, please the contact the department’s spill line at 573-634-2436.
Examples of environmental emergencies include:
- Oil and chemical spills,
- Radiological and biological discharges,
- Accidents causing releases of pollutants,
- Fish kills
- Hazardous material incidents
- Leaking abandoned containers
To report an environmental concern, visit the online environmental concern form.
For more information visit the department or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443.
