Mercury spill alert in Central

Two decorators were examined and released from hospital yesterday after mercury was found spilled in an empty office in Central.

About 30 people were evacuated between floors 17 and 24 of Hang Lung House at 184 Queen's Road Central at 3 pm when the workers discovered the spilled mercury in an office on the 19th floor.

Firemen wearing chemical protection suits and government chemists carried out checks.

About 300 millilitres of mercury was found, apparently left by the former tenant, said acting Central fire divisional commander Cheung Yat-chung.

'We took air samples from the unit for tests but found no problem. Toxic fumes will form if mercury is set alight and it is dangerous if it is absorbed through the skin,' he said.