Home / Environment / EPA Tackles Mercury Contamination in Libby Residences
EPA Tackles Mercury Contamination in Libby Residences
29 Nov
Summary
- Mercury spilled in Libby homes after a child played with a toy.
- EPA is screening homes and a school bus for mercury contamination.
- A child suffered serious health effects from the mercury exposure.
In Libby, Montana, an EPA response is underway following the discovery of mercury contamination at three residences. The incident began when a child brought a fruit cup filled with mercury, taken from a grandparent's collection, to a friend's home in late October 2025. The mercury was spilled and subsequently hidden, leading to symptoms in the child and family pets that were initially misdiagnosed. A house cleaner's discovery of mercury beads prompted the family's relocation and EPA notification.
The EPA has deployed teams to screen the affected properties, with significant contamination found at two residences on Spencer Road and elevated levels in a washing machine at a third location. A child has experienced serious health effects and is receiving treatment. The agency is also screening a school bus and the elementary school as precautionary measures, though widespread community contamination is not currently suspected.
A public meeting is scheduled to provide information and support to the Libby community. The EPA is also planning a local mercury take-back event to prevent future incidents. Cleanup operations are ongoing, with crews working to remove contaminated materials, and resources are available on a dedicated EPA response website.
