New Jersey Department of Health Releases February 2020 Mercury in Gym Floor Guidance Documents
The NJDOH now requires schools to determine if their rubberized gym floors emit mercury. ESMCorp has been the leader in developing methods and action plans to address these concerns in NJ schools. Contact Dr. Richard M. Lynch, Ph.D., CIH and Mr. Richard A. Lynch, MBA, CIEC; NJ Licensed Indoor Environmental Consultants for a detailed action plan for your specific school. We can be reached by phone at (856) 764-3557or via email at rlynch@esmcorp.com.
The NJ Department of Health updates include specific requirements that districts should follow including:
- Gym Floor Bulk Sampling
- Risk Assessment,
- Air Monitoring/Sampling
- HVAC Ventilation Assessments, Dilution Rates, and Temperature Control
- Decision Making on Management or Removal
Click here for a copy of the February 2020 NJDOH Mercury Guidelines
Click here for a copy of the NJDOH Information for Parents
Mercury and Gym Floors
From the 1960’s to the late 1990’s many gym floor manufacturers included mercury in rubberized gym floor products as a catalyst to help keep materials flexible over time. It is estimated that many thousands of educational institutions ranging from K-12 Public and Private Schools as well as Community Colleges and Universities across the country installed these mercury containing floors. In recent years, increased awareness of this issue has resulted in the need for Professional Risk Assessments, Certified Industrial Hygiene sampling and monitoring and Management of mercury exposure. Unfortunately, few environmental consultants have the professional experience, formal training, or the expertise to deal with addressing this complex issue which has significant exposure, health, risk assessment and risk communication challenges.
Who you Call First Matters!
When a community discovers the potential for mercury in their children’s gyms, getting the details right really matters.
Dr. Richard M. Lynch, Ph.D., Certified Industrial Hygienist of ESMCorp (former Professor of Industrial Hygiene and Public Health at Rutgers University) has been the Leader in NJ’s Rubberized gym floor Assessment, Sampling, Risk Communication, Management and Abatement. The New Jersey School Board Association has published an article Authored by Dr. Lynch illustrating methods which we pioneered for managing mercury in gym floors. https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/school-leader/may-june-2017-volume-47-6/hazard-gym-floor/
Many consultants often use our methods and language to write their reports and bids, however, our experience has proved that every situation is unique. If getting it right matters to your district, then Who you Call First Really Matters!
Make the Right Call! Call the Leader!
Please fill out our contact form, call Dr. Lynch directly at (856) 764-3557, or email him at rlynch@esmcorp.com.