Update: Mercury Spill In Tuscaloosa
by Shanisty Myers
CBS 42 News
2008-09-24 21:03:06.0
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Tuscaloosa emergency rooms and urgent care centers are on notice, they may be treating mercury poisoning from four different spills in the city.
One mercury spill is on private property at the site of the former Riverview treatment plant, another is in a wooded area of Jack Warner Parkway.
The other two locations are around 1904 University Boulevard at a construction company office.
The mayor's office says the mercury is being contained at both sites.
However, the EPS suspects that some people may have come in contact with the mercury before it was found.
The silvery liquid is hazardous if a person is exposed by skin contact, swallowing or inhaling the vapors in an enclosed area.
Karen Buerki says, "Outside it's not much of a hazard, but when the mercury is tracked through and carried into closed environments inside cars, inside homes where the vapors can accumulate is where you'll start to see problems."
University Boulevard and 19th Street will be closed Thursday in Tuscaloosa.
If you suspect you may have come in contact with the mercury and are exhibiting any of the symptoms including chills, metallic taste, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, visual disturbance, shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness go to a doctor.
Update: The following is from a press release from the City of Tuscaloosa...
The origin of the mercury discovered spilled in the 1900 block of University Blvd on September 24, 2008 has been identified. The mercury was taken from an abandoned building on private property off of Jack Warner Parkway near the River View Boat Landing.
We have now determined that this abandoned building is frequented by teenagers and young adults as Hangout.” It also appears to be used as a location to play “Paintball.” If you, or your child, have been to this location, please contact Tuscaloosa 311 for information regarding the health concerns of exposure to mercury.
If you, or your child, have taken mercury from this site, please contact Tuscaloosa 311 for assistance in the proper removal and disposal of this substance. No criminal charges will be pressed against anyone using Tuscaloosa 311 for assistance in this matter.
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