Engineers upgrading the middle school gym discovered mercury in polyurethane flooring installed decades ago. At room temperature or when heated, mercury can release toxic vapors. The high school measured more than three times the allowable limit. The district immediately sent letters to parents and began removal and remediation similar to previous cases where mercury was used to keep rubberized floors flexible. Gym floor removal is completed and new installation is underway at both schools, with mandatory air quality testing and improved ventilation. New floors will be ready in the high school mid-September and in the middle school by October 1.
"Over time, the body will get rid of the mercury," Moline said.
"The type of mercury that is in gymnasiums is going to be mercury vapor, so the health effects related to this are predominately neurological."
"Because they have taken care of this now, we know it's not going to be an ongoing issue," Moline said.
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