Two schools test negative for mercury contamination
PAWTUCKET, R.I. Testing of two schools near the site of a Pawtucket mercury spill showed no signs of the toxic metal. The tests at the Francis J. Varieur Elementary School and the International Charter School on Pleasant Street were completely negative.
Tests on Shea High School and the Oak Hill Nursing Home are due back today.
The mercury spill was caused by vandals who broke into a New England Gas Company storage shed to steal liquid mercury. Unaware of its health risks, they brought it back to the Lawn Terrace Apartments, where they lived.
After elevated mercury levels were found at the complex, it was evacuated.
It could be a month before the more than 100 residents are allowed to return home.
Nearby schools are being tested in case students from the complex tracked in mercury on their shoes.
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