|
Safe Use and Handling of Mercury and Mercury Compounds
Mercury and its compounds are hazardous materials, which are widely used in the laboratory and other work areas. The use of mercury provides opportunities for adverse health effects from exposure, as well as from mercury spills, mercury contamination, and other mercury-related safety problems.
Mercury poisoning can result from inhalation, ingestion, and injection or absorption through the skin. Elemental mercury poses a health hazard because it is volatile. Elemental mercury, as vapor, penetrates the central nervous system (CNS), where it is ionized and trapped, resulting in its extreme toxic effects. Elemental mercury is not well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, when ingested, it is only mildly toxic. Mercury metal and mercury compounds are highly hazardous if inhaled, or if they remain on the skin for more than a short period of time. Dimethyl mercury rapidly penetrates intact skin, and most commonly available gloves/clothing. Depending on the type of mercury and dose, symptoms may appear relatively quickly (acute disease) or take a number of years to appear (chronic disease). Adverse mercury exposures typically result in long-term disability and death.
To reduce the risk of potentially harmful exposures to mercury, the Office of Engineering Safety provides resources to facilitate the safe use of mercury and mercury compounds in research and academic facilities.
Also listed below are links to other sources offering information and guidance on the safe handling of mercury & mercury-containing compounds, and for reducing the risk of potentially harmful exposure:
|
