DHL center in Leizen evacuated: Delivery worker complains of symptoms – Mercury suspected

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In Leizen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a DHL package center has been evacuated due to suspected mercury poisoning. A package delivery worker had previously complained of unexplained physical symptoms, according to police – this is what triggered the operation in the first place. Special forces from police and fire department then arrived on the scene.

What was found or measured inside the facility is so far unclear. Authorities are explicitly speaking of a suspicion. An official confirmation that mercury has actually leaked is still pending.

This is not the first such incident in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: a similar case recently occurred in the state, according to Spiegel.

What is known so far about the operation

According to Stern, a "special operation by police and fire department" is underway at the DHL facility. A woman had complained of "unexplained symptoms," and police then voiced "a suspicion" – without publicly specifying it so far.

Spiegel narrows the location to Leizen and describes the affected person as a "package delivery worker" who reported "physical symptoms." The package center was subsequently cleared.

How dangerous is mercury really?

Mercury can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, the skin, or the gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe poisoning – depending on the form and dose, the consequences range from flu-like symptoms to organ damage. Even small amounts in enclosed spaces can be relevant, which is why such operations fundamentally require special forces.

What to expect next

The responsible authorities will take measurements at the facility and determine whether a mercury source actually exists in the package center. Only then can it be said whether this is a confirmed hazardous incident or whether the symptoms had a different cause. Further information is to follow.