On 27 August 2007, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) contacted the EPA Region 6 hotline to report a mercury release at a home in Chalmette Louisiana. The EPA sequentially notified the National Response Center (NRC 840234) of the release. The release was originally reported by the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, La.
The residents’ youngest child became ill and was being treated at the Children’s Hospital. After several examinations, the residents brought to the doctor’s attention that they had found mercury within their home. The child was tested for mercury poisoning, and tests showed that the child has mercury levels approximately 40 - 70 times that of normal levels. At 0830 hrs on 28 June 2007, EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) John Martin activated the Superfund, Technical, Assessment, and Response Team (START-3) contractors as EPA Representatives to conduct an assessment of the site conditions.
At 1211 hrs on 28 August 2007, EPA Representatives arrived at the incident location. Upon arrival EPA Representatives met with the residents, and discussed the situation. EPA Representatives made two level C entries into the residence to observe conditions and screen the residence for mercury vapor using a Lumex Mercury Vapor Analyzer (RA 915+). During the assessment, EPA Representatives observed mercury vapor concentrations in the air between 30 to 60 micro gram per cubic meter (µg/m3). The EPA residential screening level for mercury is 10 µg/m3. The highest readings, 55 to 60 µg/m3, were observed in non-cooled areas of the house (i.e. garage and attic). The living area of the house was being cooled to a temperature around 75°F by a central air conditioning system that circulated air throughout the house. The mercury vapor levels observed in the living area of the house were approximately 32 to 44 µg/m3. EPA Representatives checked the intake of the central air system and did not observe elemental mercury. Readings on the Lumex were consistent with the rest of the house. Although EPA Representatives assessed every room in the house including the attic and garage, the source of the mercury was not identified. During the assessment, EPA Representatives observed beaded elemental mercury on several surfaces including vertical surfaces throughout the house.
During the assessment of the house, the residents brought to EPA Representatives' attention that they removed clothing and bedding from their home. The trunk of their car, which was used to move the clothing and bedding, was screened and elevated levels (approximately 28 µg/m3) of mercury vapor was observed. After the assessment of the residence, EPA Representatives mobilized to a second home where the family has been living since the mercury poisoning of the child was discovered. At the second home, EPA Representatives monitored the air for mercury vapor and observed elevated levels. Approximately 2 to 3 µg/m3 in ambient air, 3 to 5 next to a pile of clothes brought from the first house, and 28 µg/m3 in a plastic bag containing clothes from the first house. The residents placed the clothes into plastic bags and moved them out of the living area. At 1710 hrs on 28 June 2007, EPA Representatives demobilized for the day.
*On 7/12/2007, START-3 Hadwin changed the units from mg/m3 to µg/m3. The units were incorrectly stated on the oringinal version.
None at this time.
On 28 August 2007, OSCs Martin and Hayes, additional EPA Representatives, and a LDEQ member plan to revisit the first residence to further assess the situation.
• Source of mercury has not been identified.
• The four year old child has approximately 40 times the normal blood level of mercury.
• Remainder of the family members are currently being tested for mercury poisoning.
• Elevated levels of mercury vapor were found through out the house.
• Small beads of mercury were found throughout the house including vertical surfaces.
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