EPA still cleaning up mercury spill in Salem home

SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) – The U.S. EPA is still at a Salem home testing and cleaning up a mercury spill that occurred Friday.

Jon Gulch with the EPA says any spill larger than what’s in a thermometer requires the EPA’s assistance. In this case, the mercury was kept in a jar which broke.

They cleared the garage and basement of personal items. Everything was bagged before coming out of the home and then screened for the levels of mercury.

Gulch says mercury vapors are extremely dangerous.

“It attacks the central nervous system. We’ve seen severe damage to cognitive and motor function. Generally, it can be fixed with chelation treatment,” he said.

It is still unknown if the spill affected any family members but they’ve been cooperative with the EPA.

Gulch expects to be there a couple more days.

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