SLO property red-tagged after hazmat called out for accidental mercury exposure

This is a developing story. Check back to sanluisobispo.com for updates.

To get breaking news alerts, click here

The San Luis Obispo Fire Department responded to a hazmat incident on Broad Street on Tuesday after a small container of mercury was opened inside a local business.

According to a Fire Department news release, a hazardous materials incident was reported at 3200 block of Broad Street around 1:45 p.m.

According to the release, a customer brought a collection of items to the business to sell, including a small container “believed by the customer to contain silver.”

“During handling, the container was opened and a small amount of elemental mercury was released,” the release said. “The customer and a business employee attempted to clean up the spill before recognizing the material was mercury.”

After the customer left the business, both they and the business reached out to emergency responders to report the incident, the release said.

“Due to the presence of mercury contamination, responders determined the business was not safe to occupy until the affected area and contaminated materials can be properly remediated by a licensed hazardous materials cleanup contractor,” the release said.

The property was then red-tagged by building inspectors “until cleanup has been completed, and the building has been confirmed safe for reoccupancy.”

Personnel also went to the customer’s home on Narrow Court to evaluate the potential for contamination but determined it was safe to occupy, the release said.

“Several items believed to have been exposed to mercury were left in place to be removed and disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste contractor,” it said.

According to the Fire Department, there was no risk to the public during the incident, and the exposure was limited to the people who directly handled the container. Both the customer and the employee who handled the mercury were advised to get a medical evaluation as a precaution, the release said.

“Elemental mercury is a dense, silver-colored liquid metal that can easily be mistaken for other materials,” the release said. “When spilled, it breaks into tiny beads that can spread into cracks, flooring, and other hard-to-reach areas where they continue to release invisible mercury vapor. Even small spills can require specialized cleanup to safely remove contamination.”

It should not be swept, vacuumed or washed down a sink or storm drain, the release said.

“Improper cleanup can spread contamination, increase airborne mercury vapor, damage sewer infrastructure and wastewater treatment systems, and release toxic mercury into the environment through stormwater systems,” the release said. “Anyone who discovers elemental mercury should avoid handling it, isolate the area if it can be done safely, and contact their local fire department or hazardous materials authorities for guidance.”