Mercury Q&A 2017

	A	B	C
1	BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
2	MERCURY REMEDIATION SUMMER 2017
3	QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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6	Q#	QUESTION	ANSWER
7	1	I keep seeing Hg in some of the links, what is this?	Hg is the chemical symbol for Mercury as it appears in the periodic table.
8	2	How did the district find the mercury?	During the normal course of exploring the replacement of the current floor, the district became aware that some manufacturers used mercury in the rubberized floors to keep them pliable.
9	2a	What prompted you to check for mercury?	During the normal course of exploring the replacement of the current floor, the district became aware that some manufacturers used mercury in the rubberized floors to keep them pliable.
10	3	Will the school nurse be doing anything about the mercury?	The district has been assured that the air in the gym is safe. The nurse will not be taking any specific action. Should families feel the need, the district recommends speaking with your health care provider.
11	4	How do I know if my child has been affected?	Our air quality testing has determined that the mercury levels in the gym are safe. Please consult with your child's physician should you need more information.
12	5	What are the symptoms of mercury exposure?	The district has provided links for families which can be found on the website or by doing an internet search of the following: Center for Disease Control (CDC): Mercury Factsheet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Mercury in Your Environment Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): Mercury Quick Facts The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Mercury Vapor
13	6	How long would it take for symptoms to manifest?	Specific questions should be addressed to your health care provider.
14	7	What are the long-term effects of mercury?	Specific questions should be addressed to your health care provider.
15	8	Have you checked for other harmful chemicals?	The district is conducting lead testing as required by law. The results of these tests will be placed on the website. The district tested for lead last year before the law required and found no concerns. The re-testing is being done in accordance with the requirements by the NJDOE. The district has tested for Radon for several years. The results from these testings are also available on our website. The district is not currently aware of any other hazardous substances in any of our facilities and monitors the buildings and ventilation systems carefully.
16	9	Is this type of flooring found elsewhere in our district?	This is the only installation of this type of flooring to our knowledge.
17	10	Is it safe for my child to continue taking gym classes at BBY?	The gym air quality has been tested and will be re-tested in the Spring to ensure the mercury levels remain within the safe limits. Please remember, there is mercury naturally occuring in outdoor air as well.
18	11	Do I need to prohibit my child from entering BBY gym?	No. The gym has been tested and the air is safe.
19	12	Will the district pay for my child to be tested for mercury?	The district does not have reason to believe anyone has been exposed to a hazardous level of mercury. Parents should discuss any concerns with their health care provider.
20	13	Is it possible that the other gym floors in the district also contain mercury?	This is the only installation of this type of flooring to our knowledge.
21	14	Will the cost of the abatement be taken from the referendum?	The district has set aside reserves known as Capital Reserve in order to fund projects that are needed but not part of the referendum. The funding will be determined at a later time and the district has options.
22	15	Primetime uses the gym everyday, is there any concern?	The air testing indicated that the gym was safe for prolonged use.
23	16	When will the air be tested again?	The district has requested the testing be conducted again over the weekend of February 17 and will update the school community if the results change from the January testing.
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