Ten people, including three firefighters, were exposed to a mercury leak in a Simi Valley residential neighborhood Monday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries, fire officials said.
The two- to three-pound spill was found on the ground in the 4100 block of Cochran Street (map), officials with the Ventura County Fire Department said. Six homes in the area were evacuated, and residents of two other homes were ordered to shelter in place.
The people exposed to the mercury showed no symptoms, said Capt. Mike Lindbery of the VCFD.
The chemical, confirmed to be mercury after testing, was contained and there was no danger to the public, Simi Valley police said.
Neighbors reported that the chemical had been on a property for about a month.
The public was asked to avoid Cochran Street between Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon Road. Westbound lanes of Cochran Street were closed.
