Mercury spill at Pocatello medical office leads to evacuation
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POCATELLO — Crews responded to a report of a mercury spill in a medical office at 1151 Hospital Way Suite A on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 12:04 p.m.
Pocatello assistant fire chief Michael Williams says a blood pressure machine called a sphygmomanometer broke and leaked onto a patient table and floor. The machine was about a foot long by three inches wide.
Williams says the reporting party indicated they had attempted some cleanup of the spill then contacted Poison Control and the Pocatello Fire Department.
HAZMAT crews were called in along with DEQ and other agencies.
The entire building was evacuated and Williams says all personnel in the building were tested.
The investigation revealed the potential of cross contamination to other sites. Williams says all known sites and clothing were tested and the contaminant was either mitigated when found or items were collected for disposal.
The investigation also found that the spill had occurred on the previous day and was exacerbated by vacuuming.
One person reported symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. Their condition is unknown.
Damage is estimated to be around $50,000, according to Williams.
The Pocatello Fire Department does not believe there is further risk of exposure and urges all residents who experience a mercury spill to not attempt to sweep or vacuum the substance.
In the event of a spill, residents are asked to evacuate the location of a spill, call 911 and minimize travel distances until exposure has been verified.