All News Releases By Date

Initial Results for Kiddie Kollege Mercury Testing Finds Little Impact in Homes

Release Date: 10/10/2006
Contact Information: Ben Barry (212) 637-3651, barry.benjamin@epa.gov

(New York, NY) The results of samples taken to date by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 22 homes of former staff and students from Kiddie Kollege daycare center in Franklin Township, New Jersey find the presence of mercury in only one of the homes. In one home, EPA found a low level of mercury that was traced to a child’s blanket, which had been taken to the daycare center. The level was well below the benchmark used to indicate a risk that would trigger a cleanup. As a precautionary measure, EPA will sample again in the home to confirm there are no additional sources of contamination, once the family has removed or treated the blanket.

“We are taking every precaution and are looking for even the smallest amount of mercury contamination in the homes of the former staff and students of Kiddie Kollege,” said Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg. “It is very gratifying to be able to report that so far only one home has shown elevated levels, and, we were able to pinpoint the source in that home.”

EPA will continue to sample homes based on requests from eligible participants. The testing is being conducted with a Lumex device that samples mercury vapors and provides results immediately. All residents receive their results at the time of the sampling.

06-154