Parts of VA Medical Center Temporarily Closed after Mercury Spill

In November, it was reported that parts of the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati had to be closed after a construction mishap resulted in mercury spilling onto the floor. According to media reports, the spill occurred when a portion of a non-functioning drain pipe was removed during construction activities that for unknown reasons had mercury in it. In response, hospital administrators shut down portions of the building until the extent of the spill could be assessed and properly remediated.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is 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 that volatilizes readily, often referred to as quicksilver. In the past, mercury was used in products like thermometers, switches and some fluorescent lights. Some water-based paints used mercury as a preservative until its use was discontinued in the early 1990s.

“If a mercury spill occurs, it’s essential that experienced professionals are involved to ensure that all the contamination is identified, remediated and no longer poses a threat to building occupants,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Testing for mercury is crucial in these situations to document the extent of contamination and to verify it has been successfully removed after cleanup operations are complete.”   

EMSL offers mercury and other heavy metal testing services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to collect environmental samples. They have also sponsored an educational video about mercury exposure and health effects that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BON-42I65jg.

To learn more about mercury or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail