On March 7th,
2022, EPA Region 10 received notification from Clark County Public Health and the Washington Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) of a
mercury spill incident in an apartment in Vancouver, Washington. According to the Health
Department, the spill occurred in a residence occupied by at least one parent and two children. Few details were known about the spill, but it was reported that the parent attempted an initial cleanup by vacuuming the affected area. The family then evacuated the apartment and obtained alternate housing with another relative who lived nearby. The adult and two children also sought out medical evaluation at a local hospital, but all three were evaluated and released.
In consultation with the EPA Phone Duty Officer, Clark County Health Department and Ecology requested EPA assistance with screening the affected residence and potentially providing clean-up activities if needed. On March 8, 2022, two EPA On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and EPA response contractors mobilized to the site to conduct a site assessment. Mercury vapors were observed to be elevated in the main living area and kitchen, on rugs, a vacuum cleaner, and kitchen trash. EPA conducted some minor remediation and removal efforts, and was able to complete clearance for occupation by Wednesday March 9, 2022.
