DHL logistics center in Leizen evacuated due to suspected mercury

The DHL logistics center in Leizen, Mecklenburg, was evacuated due to suspected hazardous substances. An employee reported to the police and reported symptoms that could indicate mercury, said a police spokesman. The substance was on or in a package.

Fire department specialists are currently clarifying what hazardous substance it could be. Over 20 employees were evacuated as a precaution. Work stops in the logistics center.

The spokesman could not say what symptoms the woman had. The police and fire brigade have been on duty at the DHL location in the Mecklenburg Lake District since the afternoon.

Mercury discovery over the weekend

The highly toxic heavy metal mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. If exposed to it over a long period of time, it can cause serious damage to health. For example, inhaling mercury vapor can cause permanent damage to the brain, lungs, kidneys and immune system.

At the weekend, an apartment in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was also evacuated after a mercury discovery. One of the residents ordered flowers online and the dangerous substance was discovered in the delivery, the police said. According to the police, the suspicion of mercury was confirmed by special forces from the Hamburg fire department. Two residents required medical treatment.