Although these 54 persons were asymptomatic, concentrations of mercury detected in their blood and urine were consistent with the levels of mercury detected in their homes. However, the Palm Beach County Health Department continues to monitor persons with persistently elevated urine mercury levels. This incident is under criminal investigation, and information regarding the source of the mercury has not been released. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The exposures described in this report primarily affected homes and schools.
Inorganic mercury is a heavy, silver-white metal that is liquid at room temperature.
The vapor pressure of mercury is high compared with other metals, creating the continual hazard of airborne exposure to mercury vapor, which is odorless and colorless. Mercury is absorbed into the blood following inhalation and is then transported to the brain and other areas of the nervous system and to all other tissues. Most elemental mercury is excreted unchanged in feces. Small amounts of mercury, such as from a broken thermometer, can be cleaned up by spraying the mercury gently with hairspray or dusting with an absorbent such as powdered sulfur and sweeping up the mercury and absorbent with a wisk broom. Any person who discovers a large quantity of mercury should immediately contact the local poison-control center or health department.