Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is
found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or
metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds
Sources of mercury. Mercury is an element in the earth's crust. Humans cannot
create or destroy mercury. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to
as quicksilver that volatizes readily. It has traditionally been used to make
products like thermometers, switches, and some light bulbs. In PDO mercury
exisit petroleum processing system.
Occupational Exposure limits
|
Mercury |
TWA |
STEL |
| Alkyl Compounds |
0.01 mg/m3 |
0.03 mg/m3 |
| Aryl Compounds |
0.1 mg/m3 |
|
| Elemental & Inorganic |
0.025 mg/m3 |
|
Effects of acute exposure
- Tremors
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Shyness / Nervousness
- Temporary loss of motor skills.
- Effects of cronic exposure
- Lung Damage, brain damage, kidney damage
- Gastrointestinal damage
- Cardiovascular damage
- Renal damage
- Pulmonary damage
- Blindness and double vision
- Memory problems
- Seizures and death (with large exposures)
