Hazardous materials teams were deployed across Riverside County on Saturday following reports of mercury, a highly toxic substance, discovered at several locations. The Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire responded to an initial call around 11:24 a.m. in the 24000 block of Magnolia Street in Wildomar.
County environmental health officials and the Riverside County Hazardous Materials Team were also involved in assessing the sites. Mercury is identified as a potent neurotoxin and cellular poison, posing health risks through vapor inhalation or direct contact. Officials stated that there was no ongoing threat to nearby residents and no evacuations were ordered.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding how the mercury was discovered or the total number of affected locations as the investigation is ongoing.