Four Port Authority Police Officers Show Elevated Mercury Levels
January 8, 2002
In the wake of reports that over 500 New York City firefighters have taken a leave of absence due to respiratory problems acquired during the ground zero cleanup, health officials revealed last week that four Port Authority police officers tested positive for dangerous levels of mercury in their blood. All four men were reportedly in perfect health before the September 11th tragedy.
At high doses, mercury exposure can cause tremors, inability to walk, convulsions, and even death. At lower levels, the effects of mercury, while not as drastic, may harm the senses and cause brain damage. Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) insist that there is no evidence linking the officers' blood-mercury levels to ground zero cleanup efforts. Nevertheless, the agency warned workers at the site to continue to wear protective respiratory equipment. Water and atmospheric tests in the area have not revealed elevated mercury levels.
Health officials do not know the long-term effects of ground zero related disorders but say that hundreds of rescue and recovery personnel could suffer respiratory illnesses in the near future.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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