Salem-Keizer School Gym Floors Get a Clean Bill of Health

Photo Courtesy: aps.k12.co.us

(Salem) - School Gymnasium floors throughout Salem/Keizer middle schools that were built in the 1970`s contain levels of mercury that result from early building technologies no longer used.

A report from the Department of Human Services concluded that no apparent health hazard exists to students, faculty or community groups who use the gymnasiums in the school district.

"We found relatively low levels of mercury vapor," said Jae Douglas, Ph.D., epidemiologist in DHS. "It is unlikely that anyone exposed to these vapors would suffer adverse health effects."

DHS now invites public comment on its report about the potential health risk of inhaling mercury vapors emanating from a floor covering used in 21 Salem-Keizer school gymnasiums.

The report also recommends that gym floors be inspected annually.