U.S. EPA responded to an accidental release of metallic mercury in a home in Detroit, Michigan.
The source of the mercury at the residence appears to be from a broken thermostat on the main floor of the house. The exact date of the origin of the spill is unknown. The residence is occupied by a husband and wife and their two small children (ages are believed to be 6 and 8).
The mercury was spilled, most probably, sometime in September or early October. The owner recently purchased the house and only noticed a problem when she tried to turn the heat on for the first time. She stated that she had to turn the thermostat all the way up to get the air to come on, and then that quit working. The electric company came to the residence to look for problems. They checked the thermostat and discovered that the mercury ampoule was cracked and the mercury was gone.
U.S. EPA conducted an emergency removal action at the residence after verbal requests for assistance from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the City of Detroit Health Department (CDHD).
