The Monterey County Sherriff’s
Office advised residents in Las Lomas to stop drinking water due to unusually
high levels of mercury found in a water tank vandalized over the weekend. The
notice was issued on Monday.
According to the California
Water Service Company, all attempts to purify the water contaminated with
mercury by boiling it will not make it drinkable.
Furthermore, they warned that in
case of boiling, the mercury from the water will be released into the air,
posing a serious health threat when inhaled.
The approximately 3,000
residents have been already notified of the incident, and the California Water
Service Company said they should not drink water until told otherwise.
The Sheriff’s Office is already
investigating the incident that reportedly took place on Saturday morning. They
are currently cooperating with both the California Water Service Company and the
County Health department to solve the problem.
People who know anything about
the incident, or have any suspicions about strange activities around Las Lomas
Road should call Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at 888-833-484.
According to recent studies,
mercury can cause serious health problems in adults, including an increased
risk of cardiovascular disease and neurological symptoms.
In 2004, the U.S. government
issued a warning for pregnant women or for women who might become pregnant, to
limit mercury levels in their food (especially canned tuna), as it would cause
damage to their babies’ nervous system.
Mercury is considered to be
extremely toxic and if inhaled and absorbed through the skin and mucous
membranes, can cause both chronic and acute poisoning.
Mercury poisoning symptoms
include sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), lack of coordination and
it becomes more acute depending on the level of exposure.
In children, it can cause red
cheeks and nose, loss of hair, teeth and nails, it can lead to kidney disfunction
or memory impairment and imsomnia.
Residents are advised to be very
careful, and refrain from consuming contaminated water.
