By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



School will be in session Friday at Gardendale High School following a mercury spill on Wednesday.

Jefferson County Board of Education spokesperson Nez Calhoun released a statement at 4:30 p.m. that said classes would resume, but the classroom where the spill occurred will not be in use.

On Wednesday, at least 15 people, including students and one teacher, were exposed to the spill. Gardendale Fire Chief Doss said there were no reports of health issues and no one was hospitalized following the incident.

Because of the spill, classes were canceled on Thursday while an independent hazardous materials unit, HEPACO, was called in to decontaminate the school.

Those exposed to the potential threat had to remove all exterior clothing and shoes and were provided with insulated suits to wear home.

Following the spill, a teacher reportedly used a vacuum to clean it up. However, Doss said once mercury is exposed to the atmosphere, it disperses and can be toxic if inhaled.

Officials from the Emergency Management Association and the Alabama Department of Emergency Management were also contacted regarding the contamination, Doss said.

“Where you run into problems is how it’s handled after the spill,” he said. “The way the EMA and ADEM views it, if it’s a tablespoon or more of mercury, it’s considered hazardous.”

Calls made to Gardendale High School Principal Dr. Anna Vacca and the Jefferson County Board of Education have not yet been returned.