Armstrong, IA (KICD-KTIV)--More than 12 people, including three children are exposed to Mercury in Armstrong.

Emmet County Emergency Management Coordinator Terry Reekers informed KICD News Monday of the discovery of a 15 ounce glass container of mercury in the basement of a home on 2nd Avenue.  KTIV reports the container weighed around 40 pounds.

The mercury was found by a painter on Friday who then brought the hazardous material to a local bar, Dale's Recreation, where it was dropped and spilled. 

The homeowner was working toward cleanup efforts when the mercury was located by renters who moved in on Sunday.  Three of their children got a hold of the mercury and poured it into a sandbox.  Those kids and ten others at the bar are being observed for mercury poisoning.

The EPA has been called on scene for cleanup efforts.