The source of the mercury was found in an old Aiea pumping station near Richardson Field. Unaware of the danger of exposure to mercury, some children have been handling the mercury and taking it to their homes and school. Residents of the Puuwai Momi are being evacuated to Halawa District Park where an emergency center has been set up as housing units are monitored. Residents are advised to work with the command post and authorities to retrieve necessary medical or personal items from their homes. Those who live in the Halawa area should check their children to see if they received or handled Mercury.
Elemental mercury is an odorless, silvery, mobile liquid.
Anyone finding more of the substance should call 911 to contact police or fire departments for pick up. Of all the forms of mercury, elemental mercury is the most commonly swallowed form of mercury, usually from a broken thermometer. Fortunately, when swallowed, elemental mercury is not absorbed from the stomach and will not cause any poisoning in a healthy person. In a healthy person, the slippery swallowed mercury will roll into the stomach, out in to the bowels and will be quickly eliminated without causing any symptoms. Handling liquid mercury for a very short period of time usually does not result in any problems.