Residents of Puerto Rico Reminded of the Hazards of Mercury Exposure

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds and organic mercury compounds. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to as quicksilver that volatizes readily. It has been used in the past to make products like thermometers, switches and some light bulbs.  Mercury is also found in many rocks, including coal. When coal is burned, mercury is released into the environment.
 
In 2012, residents of Puerto Rico were reminded of the hazards associated with exposure to mercury when reports emerged that several children had found a pint size container of the metal.  The children reportedly put the mercury into pill bottles and baggies and then inadvertently spread the toxic metal into nearby homes and schools. 
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was then contacted by the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board to help with a mercury spill at a middle school in Ciales.  According to EPA reports, the agency eventually evaluated a total of four schools, 43 homes, a church and a playground.
 
“Exposure to high levels of mercury can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and immune system of people of all ages,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Even small amounts of mercury can contaminant a large area as it vaporizes so easily. Mercury can be found in some older building materials and products as well as old science project kits.  It was even used as a preservative in some water-based paints until its use was discontinued in 1991.”
 
The environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are experts at testing for mercury and other heavy metals such as lead.  They offer their services across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their mercury, indoor air quality, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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