From: rpschoon**At_Symbol_Here**hotmail.com Subject: RE: Fwd: [DCHAS-L] mercury question Date: November 11, 2007 Thank you ALL for your continued emails, wisdom, advice, and support. I am convinced that mercury is present in the hypothetical room based on your input from the story of 38 years of usage with mercury thermometers. Many have suggested taking readings with borrowed or rented equipment. I will try to do so, yet feel that we are in the thick of things as of the end of this past week. The teacher is also at peace with formalin not being an issue now that it is removed and no "smell" of it is present. The hypothetical teacher appreciated the "free" testing suggestion from OSHA with no political consequences (if found to be "clean"). As of now, the teacher, principal, Busn. Mgr., Supt of grounds, and a fellow science teacher (for moral support, etc) will be meeting soon. The principal is supportive yet new him/herself. The hypothetical admin (via the principal) stated some concerns they have before we meet: 1. "this will set a precident- other teachers/ schools may want a mercury test" 2. it's $2000 for a test 3. "there is no specific incident we are talking about" i.e. one cannot point to a thermometer broken with silver all over the ground (or something like this I suppose). 4. "the environmental guy at the architectual firm our district uses says...." (whatever) Of course, liability, $, politics. This hypothetical is still focused on student safety, no tv cameras, no lawyers, and no parents upset at the issue.....just test the room. It's either safe (good!) or its not. If not, don't we want to clean it and make it so?!!! Please continue the advice. I have taken comfort in your emails- especially when I see/ you tell me that you are in the field, at a university, etc.... Again, THANKS!!!! Rob Schoonveld
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