A severe case of mercury pollution was detected within a warehouse in the village of Goian, Ciorescu commune, by the Environmental Protection Inspectorate following unannounced checks. The authorities have taken measures to secure the affected areas and identify the responsible individuals. The announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Gheorghe Hajder, in a post on social networks, reports IPN.
According to the minister, inspectors detected mercury pollution in a space improperly managed by an economic agent, a situation deemed extremely serious. “Laboratory analyses carried out by the National Agency for Public Health confirmed the presence of mercury vapors, demonstrating the air contamination within a warehouse in the village of Goian, Ciorescu commune. For a complete assessment of the situation, we will contract the services of an independent laboratory accredited at the level of the European Union, which will take additional samples,” the minister specified.
Gheorghe Hajder stated that, after obtaining the final results, the environmental damage will be calculated, and the case will be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office. He added that, if soil pollution with mercury is confirmed, the polluter will be obliged to bear the costs, to develop and implement a clean-up and environmental restoration plan, approved by the authorities.
The Minister mentioned that, during checks carried out at another location, inspectors discovered over 20 cubic meters of hazardous medical waste, illegally stored in 21 bags. According to him, the bags contained heavy metals, solid and liquid medicines, syringes, used infusions, and other waste that poses a major risk to the health of the population and the environment. “At this moment, measures are being taken to seal and secure the contaminated areas, and investigations are underway to identify all responsible parties and apply the measures provided by law,” the Minister’s message states.
The Information and Security Service states that mercury is included in the top 10 most toxic substances for humans, according to the World Health Organization, with the recommendation to avoid direct contact and prolonged exposure.
