Advertisement

Building contaminated after Massachusetts man melts dental fillings: officials

Click to play video: 'Pets dead, family sick after melted dental fillings cause mercury poisoning'
Pets dead, family sick after melted dental fillings cause mercury poisoning
WATCH ABOVE: Pets dead, family sick after melted dental fillings cause mercury poisoning – Feb 13, 2019

Fire officials say a Massachusetts apartment building has been deemed uninhabitable after a man mistook dental fillings for silver, melted them and caused mercury poisoning.

Fall River District Fire Chief Michael Clark said the 51-year-old resident melted the fillings Jan. 25 and went to the hospital three days later. Initially, doctors couldn’t understand what made him ill.

Toxic levels of mercury were discovered when emergency officials responded to the building Saturday, after a 17-year-old girl who lives there became ill. She tested positive for mercury and was transported to a Rhode Island hospital.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The unidentified culprit is the grandson of a dentist who tried to melt a bag of unused fillings on a stovetop. WJAR reports that he believed the fillings contained silver that he could convert to cash.

Story continues below advertisement

The man’s girlfriend, who wishes to remain anonymous, told NBC the couple had lost their truck and “needed another vehicle.” The couple’s dog died the next day, followed by her three cats.

Click to play video: 'Steve Fobister remembered as leader, activist'
Steve Fobister remembered as leader, activist

She added that the man later seemed confused when he used a water bottle as if it was a cellphone.

“Hopefully he will completely pull through this,” she said. “I know he’s going to be completely devastated with everything that’s happened due to an accident.”

Officials said every resident of the building was tested for mercury.

— with a file from The Associated Press

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices