HOUSTON, Texas – The Mounts family’s dream of homeownership quickly turned into a nightmare when they discovered a hidden hazard in their new home in the College Park subdivision of Deer Park.
The situation stemmed from a seemingly innocuous container left behind by the home’s former owner, an antique repairman and stained glass artisan.
“Our son had found it and thought that it would be an interesting toy. He poured it into another container and actually spilled it in the garage.,” Alton Mounts, the homeowner said.
SEE ALSO: ‘I don’t feel safe’: Northwest Harris County residents say squatters are ruining their neighborhood
The incident unfolded on April 12 when hazmat crews were called to the Mounts new house.
“Reoccupation of the home was not advised until the home could be properly cleaned and the mercury removed,” according to a Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office report.
The presence of mercury, known to cause serious health issues including nerve and kidney damage, posed significant risks to the family, especially the children.
Following the discovery, testing revealed elevated mercury levels in all family members.
“It’s just painful, they were starting their American dream and faced this disastrous circumstance,” Adrian Garcia, Harris County Commissioner, Pct. 2, said.
In a desperate attempt to make their home safe again, the Mounts family took matters into their own hands, discarding furniture, ripping up carpets, and repainting walls—all without insurance coverage.
“The remediation costs could climb over $100,000. That’s a huge financial burden for any family,” Garcia said.
Despite their efforts, the Mounts faced additional hurdles when their request for further testing by Harris County was denied.
“We leveraged everything in Harris County’s toolkit,” Garcia explained. “We went everywhere to get help.”
Eventually, with the assistance of Garcia’s office, the family was able to borrow an expensive mercury vapor testing device, which would allow them to monitor the home’s safety.
“I don’t think we would have gotten this device if it hadn’t been for the pressure for you,” Mounts said, the family patriarch.
After extensive renovations, testing revealed only low levels of mercury vapor in a single corner of the garage. This promising result means the Mounts family can finally move back into their home.
“We’re relieved and grateful for the support,” Alton Mounts stated. “This has been a long and stressful process, but we can finally start to rebuild our lives.”
In addition to the testing device, Garcia’s team is providing the family with a supply of home mercury test kits to ensure ongoing safety.
Mercury: What to Know
Mercury was once used fairly abundantly in household products.
But Thermometers, thermostats, light switches, light bulbs, blood pressure cuffs, and other devices, once dependent upon the naturally occuring element, have moved away from widespread use because of the associated health concerns.
“At higher levels, we know that it can affect the nervous system and the kidneys, and in worst case scenarios, the digestive system and maybe even the respiratory system,” Dr. Scott Patlovich, Assistant Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety, said.
Patlovich recommends removing mercury devices from homes.
The building he works in, deep inside Houston Medical Center has done just that under his direction.
Mercury Disposal in Houston
Ultimately, the City of Houston helped the Mounts family dispose of the jar of Mercury they found in their home.
Third-party companies will dispose of Mercury too, but usually at significant cost.
Click for more information about disposing of Household Hazardous Waste in Houston and Harris County.
