• Acute exposure: Acute inhalation of mercury vapor may result in toxicity including chills, nausea, general malaise, tightness in the chest, chest pains, dyspnea, cough, stomatitis, gingivitis, salivation, and diarrhea (ACGIH 1991; Hathaway et al.1991). Short exposure to high levels of mercury can cause severe respiratory irritation, digestive disturbances, and marked renal damage.
  
  
• Chronic exposure: Chronic exposure to mercury may result in weakness, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and disturbance of gastrointestinal function.

Good Work Practice recommends:

Mercury Spill Kit

• Prevent the spill in the first place by replacing outdated glass thermometers, and sphygmomanometers with mercury free devices.
  
  
• Use mercury spill kits to help clean up small spills of 25ml or less. Kits should contain gloves, protective glasses, Hg absorb powder, mercury sponges, and a disposal bag.
  
  
• Put in place procedures to isolate the contaminated area.
  
  
  • Be aware that mercury can unknowingly be carried home on clothing, skin, or hair.
  
  
• Be on the look-out for this material, recognizing that it may be present in various instruments and equipment.
  
  

  Mercury Vapor Analyzer

• Use a Mercury Vapor Analyzer (e.g., Jerome) to verify that the area is safe to reenter.
  
  
• Make sure that spills are cleaned up promptly, safe, clean-up of spills by workers or a team trained in proper procedures.
  
  
• Do not allow workers who are not trained in proper procedures attempt to clean up spills.

• OSHA requires:
  
  
  • Exposure to mercury vapor shall not exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average limit of 1 mg/10 M³ (0.1 mg/M³) [1910.1000] [TableZ-2] and Allowable Airborne Concentrations of Mercury - Interpretation Letter (06/30/1976).
    
    
  • Employers must select and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for clean up of spills [1910.134] and [1910.132].
    
    
  • It is mandatory that no employee be allowed to consume food or beverages in an area exposed to mercury [1910.141(g)(2)].
  
  
• American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) set 8-hour workplace exposure limits as low as 0.025 milligrams per cubic meter.
   
• NIOSH recommends:
  
  
  • Clean up spills promptly with special mercury
    vacuum cleaners and a water-soluble mercury
    decontaminant.

    Mercury Vacuum Cleaner

    
    
  • Use disposable protective equipment, (e.g., protective gloves and footwear, special mercury vapor respirators, gowns, and hoods), while cleaning up mercury spills.
    
    
  • Disposal of spills according to US EPA regulations (40 CFR 261.24).
    
    
  • Avoid using carpeting or porous surfaces on floors that would make clean-up difficult.
    
    
  • Clearly post all spill areas until adequate clean-up has been accomplished.
    
    
  • Medically monitor the respiratory track, nervous system, kidneys, and skin of any worker who may be exposed to mercury.

• OSHA Standard for Mercury, 1910.1000, Air Contaminants table Z-2.
• Inorganic Mercury and its Compounds. CPL 2-2.6 (1978, October 30).
• Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Mercury Vapor. NIOSH, OSHA, DOE.
• Guidelines for Protecting the Safety and Health of Health Care Workers. NIOSH (1988).