What is Mercury? How are people exposed to mercury? Health Effects from Mercury Exposure Where can mercury be found? Mercury Recycling Information Mercury Thermometer Exchange Sites Mercury Spill Information and Cleanup Guidance
What is mercury?
Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white metal element. It can exist as a liquid at room temperature or as a solid crystal salt. The liquid metal form gives off invisible, odorless, toxic vapors. Commonly, metallic mercury can be found in thermometers, barometers, electrical switches, thermostats and in dental fillings.
When mercury is released from industries into the air, it can travel long distances and be deposited on soil and in lakes. In lakes, bacteria change the mercury to a form of organic mercury (methylmercury) that builds up in bodies of fish. Most lakes in Wisconsin have health advisories that recommend against eating too much of certain types of fish containing high levels of methylmercury. [Go to top] How are people exposed to mercury? Breathing: People can be exposed by breathing mercury vapors. This type of exposure can happen in the workplace, or in homes where mercury is spilled. People who use exterior latex paints that contain mercury in unventilated areas may be exposed and could become seriously ill. Drinking/Eating: People can be exposed to mercury by eating fish or shellfish caught in contaminated waters. Some dental fillings contain mercury and blood levels may be elevated for a short time after teeth are filled. Mercury can enter the body when contaminated water is used for drinking or for preparing food. Touching: People who work with exterior latex paints containing mercury can absorb mercury through their skin. If a water supply is contaminated, people can absorb mercury as they bathe or use the water for other purposes. [Go to top] Health Effects from Exposure to Mercury Metallic liquid mercury generally does not absorb very well when it is swallowed. Breathing its vapors is very dangerous. When metallic mercury is touched it can slowly pass through the skin. The following health effects can happen immediately or shortly after exposure to high levels of mercury:
After several years of exposure to mercury (more than 10 ppb in air), the following health effects can occur:
In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed. A person’s reaction depends on several things, including individual health, previous exposure to chemicals, and personal habits such as smoking or drinking. It’s also important to consider the length of exposure to the chemical; the amount of chemical exposure; and whether the chemical was inhaled, touched, or eaten. [Go to top] Where can mercury be found? There has been a growing effort to eliminate non-essential uses of mercury today due to its toxic and bioaccumulative properties. However, a large number of mercury containing items can still be found in the marketplace even though some manufacturers have taken steps to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury in their products or develop non-mercury or low mercury containing alternatives. Some products that contain metallic mercury include:
Because of the health risks associated with mercury exposure, manufacturers continue to find ways to reduce the amount of mercury used in fluorescent lighting products. [Go to top] Mercury Recycling Information Items or compounds containing mercury should not be put in the garbage or poured down the drain. All mercury and mercury-containing items should be recycled. Recycling mercury into new usable products prevents its introduction into the environment. It is also important to remember that many alternatives to mercury containing devices and products are manufactured today. The Marathon County Landfill accepts mercury and mercury containing devices for recycling. Also, all types of fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury and can be taken to the landfill for recycling. To transport your thermometers or mercury products for recycling, please double bag them using zip-lock bags or contain them in a sealed plastic container. Light bulbs should be cushioned to reduce risk of breakage. For more information on recycling locations, check out www.marathoncountysolidwaste.org , or call the Solid Waste Recycling Information line at 1-877-270-3989. To schedule an appointment to drop off your items, please call (715)446-3101 Ext. 100 [Go to top] Mercury Thermometer Exchange Sites If your thermometer is not digital and has a silver liquid metal in it (most commonly found in the bulb at the end of the device), it probably contains mercury. Alcohol-based thermometers usually contain a red or blue liquid, but they too can have a silver bulb on them. If you think you have a mercury-containing thermometer, you can exchange it for a digital thermometer at one of the following locations.
[Go to top] Mercury Spill Information and Cleanup Guidance This information is offered to help you respond to mercury spills. Most spills associated with fever thermometers or other small spills can be cleaned up by following the guidance provided here. While the amount of mercury involved with broken thermometers is usually very small, it can be enough to in some cases, to produce unhealthy exposure to mercury vapor. If you have a large spill (more than 2 tablespoons or 1 fluid ounce), or are not sure about the hazards or your ability to respond, please contact your local Health Department or seek expert help from the agencies or contractors listed under Resources. Quick response to any mercury spill is very important. Even small spills can, in some cases, cause high levels of mercury vapors that are unsafe to breathe. Mercury vapors are readily absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and are therefore, particularly hazardous. Mercury vapors are also heavier than air and may linger in higher concentrations close to the floor. Children who crawl or play in these areas are at highest risk of breathing these vapors.
Note: Everything used during the cleanup procedure should be managed as a mercury-contaminated waste unless you are positive it has not come into contact with mercury. Seek advice from your local county health department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or by contacting one of the disposal references listed under Resources below. Follow the links below to direct you to additional information.
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