A potential mercury leak at Manchester Essex Regional Middle School sent Manchester-by-the-Sea firefighters to the campus Thursday, but officials say students and staff were never in danger.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department announced on its Facebook page that crews were responding to a possible mercury incident at the school and stressed that “there is no threat to students or staff,” according to the department's post. Officials did not immediately share what triggered the response or how long the cleanup might take.
Why responders take mercury so seriously
Elemental mercury can vaporize at room temperature and is most dangerous when inhaled, particularly for children, so even small releases in schools trigger specialized hazmat responses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has documented school mercury spills that led to extensive cleanups and temporary closures, according to the EPA, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry notes that schools are a common site for mercury incidents.
State rules and school safety
Massachusetts and regional regulators have pushed schools for years to get mercury out of classrooms, phasing out older lab gear and other mercury-containing devices in favor of safer options. The Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association details mercury alternatives and outlines the state's approach to cutting mercury use in schools, per NEWMOA.
What parents should know
Parents looking for updates on Thursday's response are advised to keep an eye on the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department and the Manchester Essex Regional School District for official information from local authorities.
For questions about possible exposure or health concerns, state public health agencies and the ATSDR recommend contacting your local health department or a medical provider.
This story will be updated if officials release more details. For the latest, follow the fire department's official channels.
