Ohio high school gym closed due to mercury

CARROLL, Ohio (AP) — The presence of toxic mercury in the warped flooring has led officials to close a high school gym in central Ohio.

The school board voted Monday night to put the Bloom-Carroll High School gym off limits and move quickly to replace the floor, which has puckered in spots.

Board member Mike Allen says tests found mercury contamination coming from a 30-year-old polymer surface underneath the wooden floor. He says the mercury exceeded the limit for continuous exposure, though not temporary exposure.

Board President Rob Jackson says tests on more than two dozen individuals found a high mercury level on clothing from at least one football player.

The repaired gym could reopen before year-end. It’s not clear where gym classes will be held in the meantime.