Mercury Spills Marc Moss ENGR November 24, 1998

Outline I. Facts II. Dangers III. Exposure IV. Clean Up V. Disposal VI. Questions

Mercury Facts Mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive element on earth A silver colored mercury amalgam filling normally contains 52% mercury. The typical adult carries ten amalgam fillings containing about 5 grams of mercury 1/2 gram of mercury in a ten acre lake would warrant issuance of a fish advisory for the lake

Dangers of Mercury The presence of raised mercury levels, in itself, does not necessarily cause pathologic reactions - the levels have to exceed a person’s threshold level.

Dangers, continued Exposure in the range of 25 to 80  g/m 3 increases the incidence of: defects in psychomotor performance objectively detectable tremors evidence of impaired nerve conduction fatigue irritability loss of appetite proteinuria

Occupational Exposure Occupational exposure to 25  g Hg / m 3 air would correspond to a daily dose of somewhere about  g / day (8 h / day, 5 days / week, 48 weeks / year, breathing of 1-2 m 3 of air per hour containing 25 (80)  g Hg / m 3 of which 80% is absorbed in the lung alveoli's).

Concentrated Exposure Mercury can: selectively inhibit protein and amino acid absorption into brain tissue induce the thyroid gland to absorb an increasing amount of nuclear radiation from the environment impair the adrenal and testicular steroid hormone secretions

Exposure, continued cause intolerance for stress and decreased sexual ability in rats, it causes subnormal fertility and sperm production produce contact dermititis produce reduced function of the adrenal glands (Addison's disease), causing progressive anemia, low blood pressure, diarrhea and digestive disturbances

Exposure, continued cause chromosomal aberrations and alter the cellular genetic code induce chromosomal breakage alter cellular mitosis cause a drop in T-cell production kill white blood cells. contribute to intelligence disturbances, speech difficulties, limb deformity, and hyperkinesia (hyperactivity resulting from brain damage)

Exposure, continued Studies have been done that suggest elevated levels of mercury can trigger auto-immune disorders (MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s)

Cleaning It Up If available, use vacuum pump specifically designed for mercury spills Sweep mercury into jar filled with water Sprinkle area with sulfur powder or finely divided zinc and sweep up Adhesive tape strips can be used for small spills

Disposal The EPA has very strict restrictions on how to dispose of mercury. At UTC, the chemistry department will take the mercury, as they have procedures in place to handle it. DON’T THROW IT IN THE TRASH OR DOWN THE DRAIN!!!