I was stationed at NAVFAC BERMUDA 72-74 & ANTIGUA 74-75
At some point while in Bermuda, I received an official letter from the Navy saying that I was part of a "study population". It went on to explain that a mix-up occurred and the paint used to paint the water catch at either the NAVFAC or the Annex contained mercury. Apparently, someone had substituted the wrong type of paint that was specified for that purpose.

I was wondering if anyone else in that time frame had received the same letter. During my stay at both NavFac's I had been hospitalized and off island for a while for serious (but unrelated) injuries. Much of my belongings and paperwork had been shuffled around and lost in the process. I clearly remember the letter, but have never been able to find it. Anyone still have it and if so, was there ever any follow up from the Navy. It may have contributed to some of the issues I have now.

Thanks in advance. JZ

John,

I was at Bermuda 1974-76 and I also recall hearing about that letter although I never received one. If memory serves, we weren't using the water catchment at the Naval Air Station Annex while I was stationed there, at least for some portion of my time. Because of that information and or rumor we refrained from drinking the water from the roof catchment on our off base rental. Anyway, I have my entire 34-year paper Medical, Dental, Security and Service records available (I submitted Xerox copies to Navy when I retired). I reviewed them this morning and found no record or mention of that study. The only studies I found were 2 documents I signed in 1983 and 1995 related to Cadmium and Asbestos Medical Surveillance Programs (CMSP and AMSP) exposure from at NAVFAC Keflavik. In both cases I answered the questions in the negative - no exposure.

- Jim

John,
Although I do not have a copy of the letter you write about, I recall the incident. I was stationed in Bermuda 71-73. The Seabees had ordered metal free paint for the Annex water catchment but didn't check it when it came in from supply. They used it for the water catchment and those of us stationed there drank it and bathed in it for months before it was discovered to have mercury. I remember being lined up to have medical tests to check on our exposure levels.
My medical records were lost in a theft in 1976 while I was on transfer so I have no official record regarding the mercury incident.
Chuck Gagnon

Thank you Jim and Chuck for the replies. So now I’m just glad I wasn’t just imagining the letter. I had no follow up tests and never heard from anyone again about Mercury contamination. So much for he “study”. I managed to get myself messed up pretty good even without the help of mercury anyway 😩