Two children were hospitalized and a New Britain home was condemned after mercury levels 600 times the legal limit were found Tuesday.
The DEEP Emergency Response Unit responded to a call from a local hospital to investigate possible mercury contamination at a home on Hatch Street in New Britain after two children were hospitalized, according to DEEP Communications Director Will Healey.
One of the children found a jar of silver-colored liquid and began playing with it, Healey said. The second boy took the liquid and threw it away.
The DEEP Emergency Response Unit arrived at the home and conducted tests, finding levels close to 600 times the allowable human exposure limit for mercury. According to Healey, the five people who remained in the home were taken to the hospital to be checked for mercury exposure.
The local health department condemned the home, according to Healey, and next steps are being determined. Environmental Services, Inc. he was hired to help DEEP with the cleanup.
“There is no risk to the public at this time,” Healey said in a statement.
DEEP is working with New Britain and the local health department to relocate residents.
“If you find silver liquid, do not play with it or handle it,” according to a DEEP statement. “Contact a professional for proper removal.”
