Mercury spill cleaned up at Ahwatukee Foothills school

Students will be able to return Wednesday to a classroom where a mercury spill caused an evacuation this morning.

Nearly 20 students were evacuated from a band class at Centennial Middle School, 13808 S. 36th St., Phoenix, after a student brought mercury to school and spilled it. The seventh-grader said he found the substance in his apartment complex, said Nancy Dudenhoefer, community relations manager for the Kyrene Elementary School District.

Phoenix Fire Department Hazardous Materials Unit personnel tested the children and found that 12 had traces of mercury on their shoes or clothing. Those students were urged to consult their family physicians. The room, meanwhile, was cleaned by an environmental cleaning service.