HFD responds to mercury spill in downtown apartment complex

The Houston Fire Department responded to a downtown apartment Monday after a resident told authorities he spilled about 2 pounds of mercury inside of his unit.

Firefighters said the man told officials that his girlfriend had the jar and dropped it in the apartment on Friday.

HFD said the spill resulted in the apartment reaching unacceptable levels of mercury, requiring the fifth floor to be evacuated.

As of Monday afternoon, other floors were being checked out as a precaution.

Two firefighters were exposed and gear was contaminated and must be replaced, according to HFD.

The firefighters tested for low levels of mercury but nothing significant to their heath.

So far no one has been transported to the hospital.

This story is developing.