Mercury Exposure Near Boron Sends 3 to the Hospital [Bakersfield, CA]

BAKERSFIELD, CA (February 28, 2024) — Three individuals were taken to the hospital following exposure to mercury near Boron, as reported by the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD). 

The incident occurred early Monday morning when KCFD firefighters responded to a medical emergency alert for someone exposed to a hazardous substance. The first responders, arriving just before 7:30 a.m., quickly identified mercury exposure as the cause.

The mercury exposure near Boron escalated to a hazmat operation, prompting the dispatch of the Kern County Fire Hazmat Team from Bakersfield. Initial assessments revealed that the exposure resulted from a significant mercury spill inside a vehicle. Following safety protocols, the affected individual was instructed to undergo self-decontamination, which involved removing contaminated clothing, thorough washing with soap and water, and changing into clean attire.

As a preventive measure, the patient, along with two other residents of the home, was asked to evacuate the premises to allow hazmat firefighters to conduct a thorough inspection. Dressed in protective suits and equipped with mercury vapor monitors, the team confirmed that all individuals had mercury levels below safety thresholds.

The patients were subsequently cleared for hospital transport for additional tests, while the home was deemed safe from contaminants. The Kern County Environmental Health took over the scene, arranging for a professional cleanup of the contaminated vehicle. The KCFD reported no injuries among the first responders involved in the incident.