November 2, 2021

LENEXA, KAN. (NOV 2, 2021) – United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 On-Site Coordinators (OSCs) and contractors are working at several residences in Wentzville, Missouri, where levels Elevated mercury levels were found after a child was taken to a suburban St. Louis hospital with high blood levels of mercury. The children at the residence allegedly played with it and spilled a small vial of elemental mercury about five months earlier.

The hospital called the EPA Region 7 spill emergency line on October 29, after determining the child was suffering from mercury poisoning. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) conducted an initial mercury vapor screening at the child’s residence on October 30. High concentrations were detected throughout the house. Further assessments carried out by the EPA’s CSOs on October 31 found elevated levels of mercury vapors in two other residences, and assessments are continuing. At room temperature, exposed elemental mercury can evaporate to an invisible and odorless toxic vapor.

Families from affected homes have moved, as response teams continue to remove personal items and contaminated materials from homes to reduce mercury vapor concentrations.

The EPA and MoDNR have completed assessments at six schools in the Wentzville School District identified as potential locations for mercury contamination from the spill. All of the schools assessed were not contaminated with mercury.

Mercury can be very difficult to clean up. It is extremely difficult to remove clothing, furniture, rugs, floors, walls and other porous objects. Once overturned, the mercury beads can scatter and settle in nooks and cracks in the ground. Many standard techniques for cleaning up a liquid spill (such as using a mop or towels) should not be used to clean mercury; in fact, it can spread mercury and increase toxic fumes. Make not suck up the spilled mercury as it will vaporize and increase exposure. If the mercury is not properly cleaned, it can stay for months or years and be a lifelong risk to health. Never put mercury-contaminated clothing in a washing machine. Put your clothes and shoes in a bag and put them outside in the sun.

How can families reduce the risk of exposure to mercury? Handle products that contain mercury, such as thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs, with care. Teach children not to play with shiny silver liquids. Many states and local agencies have developed collection / exchange programs for devices containing mercury such as thermometers, pressure gauges, and thermostats. Some counties and towns also have household hazardous waste collection programs. For more information on these programs, contact your local authorities to find out how to dispose of unwanted or damaged items containing mercury. You can also use Earth911’s recycling finder to find a recycling center near you.

Possible symptoms of mercury poisoning can include:

• Loss of peripheral vision
• “Pins and needles” feelings, usually in the hands, feet and around the mouth
• Lack of coordination of movements
• Speech, hearing and walking disorders and or
• Muscular weakness

Health Effects of Mercury Exposures

Mercury is a neurotoxin. How a person’s health can be affected by exposure to mercury depends on a number of factors:

• The form of mercury (for example, methylmercury or the element [metallic] Mercury)
• The amount of mercury in the exhibit
• Age of exposed person (young children and unborn infants are most vulnerable)
• How long does the exposure last
• How is the person exposed – breathing, feeding, skin contact, etc., and
• The health of the exposed person

The effects of mercury exposure can be very severe, subtle, or not at all, depending on the above factors. Anyone concerned about mercury exposure should consult their physician and / or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

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