Mercury Spill Leads To South Miami Building Evacuation

SOUTH MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Part of a South Miami office building has been evacuated due to a hazardous materials situation.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials, the 4th floor of the building, located at 6141 Sunset Drive was evacuated following a small mercury spill.

Several doctors' offices are located in the building.

Two people who came into close contact with the mercury were taken to the hospital as a precaution, said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials.

A haz-mat team was on the scene:

Mercury is used in barometers, blood pressure instruments, thermometers, and other pressure-sensing instruments.

Mercury is harmful to both animals and humans. Depending on the length or degree of exposure, it can cause loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, eye irritation, weight loss, skin rashes, and muscle tremors.