When elemental mercury is deposited in water, it is changed into an organic form (methylmercury) by certain microscopic organisms. Mercury emissions via water, air, or soil cause health problems. Mercury causes neurological damage in humans and contaminates ecosystems far from its original point of release. Its liquidity at room temperature and its silver color are the reasons it is popularly known as “quicksilver.” In fact, the chemical symbol for mercury, Hg, comes from the Greek "hydrargyrum" meaning liquid silver. Mercury is typically found in cinnabar ores, a granular reddish color deposit that is available around the globe mercury in raw form is gained through mining. The element Mercury (Hg) is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and ambient pressure. Western Hemisphere (Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada)īureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.Near East (northern Africa, Middle East).Counterterrorism & Countering Violent Extremism.Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.Arms Control and International Security.Alphabetical List of Bureaus and Offices.Inorganic Mercury and Organic Mercury DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.Contains a standard for mitigation of exposure to inorganic Mercury to prevent adverse effects over a working lifetime. NIOSH Criteria Documents: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Mercury DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.Presents recommendations for prevention of exposure to Mercury by individuals service engines featuring multiple carburetors. 6: Exposure to Mercury Vapor During the Use of Mercury Carburetor Synchronizers DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. NIIOSH Emergency Response Card: Mercury The ERSH-DB contains accurate and concise information on high-priority chemical, biological and radiological agents that could be encountered by personnel responding to a terrorist event.IDLH criteria and information sources used by NIOSH to determine immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations. Mercury (organo) alkyl compounds (as Hg).Mercury compounds (as Hg). The immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH) criteria and information sources used by NIOSH to determine immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations.
NIOSHTIC-2 search results on Mercury – NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.Useful search terms for mercury include “colloidal mercury,” “mercury metal,” “metallic mercury,” and “quicksilver.” NIOSH Chemical Resources The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to mercury. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures. If you work in an industry that uses mercury, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. Dentists and their assistants when breathing in mercury vapor released from amalgam fillings.Workers in medical, dental, or other health services who work with equipment that contains mercury.Workers in chemical processing plants that use mercury.Workers in facilities where automotive parts are manufactured.Workers in fluorescent light bulb (CFL) recycling facilities.Workers in facilities where electrical equipment is manufactured.Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to mercury include the following: It’s used to produce chlorine gas and caustic soda, and in thermometers, barometers, batteries, and electrical switches. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
Some of the health effects exposure to mercury may cause include: irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, weakness or exhaustion, and weight loss. Workers may be harmed from exposure to mercury. When heated it becomes a colorless, odorless gas. Metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid. Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring metal.