Antique Clock Creates A HazMat Issue In San Ramon

Proof, perhaps, that we knew little about the things we used on a daily basis and that some of those things contained elements that could harm us was brought home Sunday during the relocation of an antique clock on Canyon Green Place in San Ramon.

Movers, and later firefighters, realized the clock had spilled a quantity of liquid mercury (used in clock pendulums back in the day to compensate for temperature changes and keep the clock accurate) and quickly sealed the home and environs off after detecting traceable amounts of the silvery metallic element.

Caution was taken because liquid elemental mercury is dangerous if inhaled, primarily because it releases invisible, odorless toxic vapors into the air that can damage the nervous system damage.

The incident was first reported at 1:45pm on Sunday with San Ramon Valley firefighters remaining on scene through the night and into Monday afternoon.

Attempts to reach the fire protection district were initially unsuccessful.

And, while, we’re on the topic, lets discuss those painted radium dials and radium ore Revigators – a pseudoscientific medical device consisting of a ceramic water crock lined with radioactive materials – which resulted in a number of sometimes fatal illnesses before they were finally taken off the market.