Mercury exposure--Kentucky, 2004.
In November 2004, a student aged 15 years brought a small vial of liquid mercury onto a school bus and into a high school in Kentucky. A subsequent investigation revealed that mercury had been in the student's possession for more than a year and that substantial amounts had been spilled in multiple locations. This report describes the results of that investigation, which indicated that 1) duration of exposure was associated with the amount of mercury absorbed by exposed persons and 2) extensive multiagency collaboration facilitated an efficient response. The investigation further revealed that, although mercury exposure is common, clinicians might not be aware of how to evaluate and treat patients with mercury exposure. State and federal health agencies should provide schools, clinicians, and local health department staff with readily accessible guidelines for use in mercury spills and exposures.
D000293:Adolescent; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008628:Mercury; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012574:Schools
D008628:Mercury