Following 4 months of hospitalization with repeated courses of chelation therapy and intensive rehabilitation, the patient's symptoms abated except for residual lower extremity weakness. Although electroneuromyographic abnormalities persist, he is able to walk and continues to improve. In November, the MDPH and CDC began an ongoing investigation in selected communities in southeastern Michigan to assess mercury levels in the air of homes in which this paint has been applied and in urine samples from persons living in these homes. EPA permits interior latex paint to contain less than or equal to 300 ppm elemental mercury and exterior latex paint to contain less than or equal to 2000 ppm. However, neither the presence nor the concentration of mercury in the paint is required to be labeled on the paint can.
Little information is available about background urine mercury levels, especially in children.
However, the long-term health effects in clinically asymptomatic persons with elevated urine mercury levels and the potential adverse health effects to children and fetuses have not been well established. Because alternative paint preservatives are available, EPA is determining the distribution of mercury-containing paints and is reviewing the use of mercury as a paint preservative. To prevent mercury exposure from paint, proper ventilation should be assured both during and after painting. Decision of the Administrator on the cancellation of pesticides containing mercury. Decision of the Administrator on reconsideration.