Cosmetic Dentistry Articles from
Columbus Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mark Levy

MERCURY SPILL IN GAHANNA, OHIO SCHOOL
Mark Levy, DDS

Did you know that a single mercury thermometer has enough of liquid mercury to contaminate a 10 acre lake?

Imagine then what could have happened at Gahanna Middle School had this incident turned out differently. In 2004 a mercury thermometer was found after science students participated in an outdoor experiment at the school. A teacher discovered the broken mercury thermometer late in the day, around 2:30pm just before school was to cease for the day. School officials wasted no time in calling the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to commence detection of mercury in the school and on the students’ clothing.

The main concern, said Michael Dalton of the Ohio EPA, was that mercury vapors and residues can cause neurological damage.

Using a mercury detection meter no mercury or residue was found on any of the children exposed to the mercury or their clothing, to the relief of parents patiently awaiting their release. Over 500 students were kept inside until 5:30pm to effectively check for any remaining mercury. Parents did not mind waiting outside, in fact most were appreciative for the care taken by the EPA and school officials. Terri Liechty said “This is inconvenient, but it’s worth it to know our children are safe.” A grandmother waiting for her grandson Lucas stated “I don’t mind waiting at all, I’m just glad everything is OK.”

This is the same mercury that is mixed with a powder before being placed into teeth. You may know my favorite comment on this:

THERE ARE ONLY TWO PLACES THAT THE EPA AND THE DENTAL ESTABLISHMENT TELLS DENTISTS TO STORE THIS MATERIAL. ONE IS IN HAZARDOUS WASTE CONTAINERS. THE OTHER IS IN YOUR TEETH!

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