Mercury level noticed in hall

Additional readings in the room, B-13, and adjacent rooms revealed mercury readings that were measurable, but below regulatory standards. The levels were not detectable after a brief period of time, and assumed to be negligible, according to the release.

Staff from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety checked rooms in the building to verify the absence of measurable levels yesterday and will continue the checks through the evening, said Karen Wagner, public information officer for University Relations. The additional checks were precautionary measures, she added.

Because there was no health risk to residents or employees at any time, no activities or meetings had to be moved, according to the news release.

Representatives from environmental health and safety, residence life and University Health Services answered questions yesterday in Atherton Hall lounges, according to the release.

No one from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety was available for comment.

--by Patricia K. Cole