Mercury vapor leaking from old polyurethane gym floors at Glen Cove schools has led to emergency replacements and parental concern after elevated levels were found in the air and a student’s blood.
Jennifer McLogan reports for CBS News.
In short:
- Mercury was found in gym floors at Glen Cove’s middle and high schools, with vapors exceeding safety limits due to aging rubberized materials installed decades ago.
- The district removed the floors and is installing new ones with updated ventilation; testing confirmed dangerous levels, but officials say students are no longer at risk.
- One student athlete quit wrestling after his doctor found high mercury levels in his blood, and his parent believes the exposure has already caused lasting health issues.
Key quote:
"Sadly, I do believe the kids in this gym, they were all being poisoned little by little. It has been a difficult time dealing with all these chronic symptoms."
— Anthony Mihailescu, parent of Glen Cove student
Why this matters:
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and even low-level, long-term exposure to its vapor can damage the brain and nervous system — especially in children, whose bodies and brains are still developing. While mercury was once used in gym flooring to enhance flexibility, the practice has long been discontinued. However, aging infrastructure in schools still poses risks when old materials go unchecked. This incident in Glen Cove is not isolated; similar discoveries have occurred across the country in aging public buildings. Ventilation systems and indoor air quality testing are often insufficient or absent altogether. Children who engage in sports spend extended hours in these environments, heightening their risk.
