PA EPA AND ATSDR WARNS AGAINST THE MISHANDLING OF METALLIC MERCURY
Release Date: 07/11/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1997
EPA AND ATSDR WARNS AGAINST THE MISHANDLING OF METALLIC MERCURY
EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are warning the public about the hazards associated with the mishandling of metallic (liquid) mercury. It is commonly found in consumer items such as thermometers, florescent light bulbs, barometers and medical equipment such as blood pressure measurement instruments. Metallic mercury is a hazardous material that can vaporize at room temperature. There is a continuing pattern of metallic mercury exposure in children and teenagers. Both short-term and long-term exposures to metallic mercury can lead to serious health problems. Exposures can occur from eating, drinking or breathing metallic mercury contaminated food, water and air. At high levels metallic mercury can effect the nervous system and developing fetuses as well as damage other body organs. A number of incidents involving school children mishandling mercury have been reported over the last few years. Parents, school teachers and administrators should take steps to ensure that children are aware of its dangers. Persons using metallic mercury in certain folk medicines or other practices could be exposed. For a copy of the ATSDR Alert, reporters can call Loretta Bush, ATSDR, at 404-639-0501 or the Superfund hotline at 1-800-424-8802.
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