| Elemental Mercury Spills Thomas A. Baughman Environmental Toxicology Section, Illinois Department of Public Health, West Chicago, Illinois, USA Abstract
Sources of elemental mercury (Hg0) include old natural gas regulators, manometers, sphygmomanometers, thermometers, and thermostats. Causes of Hg0 spills include improper storage, container breakage, children playing with Hg0, the breakage of devices containing Hg0, and ritualistic use of Hg0. Inhalation is the primary exposure route for Hg0. Mercury released into the environment can enter lakes and streams, where bacteria convert it into methylmercury, which bioaccumulates in fish. Chronic exposure to Hg0 vapors can damage the kidneys and neurologic system. Short-term exposure to high levels of Hg0 vapors may cause lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation, among other effects. Minimizing Hg0 dispersal is important after an Hg0 spill. Tracking by shoes or apparel or vacuuming can spread Hg0, increasing airborne concentrations and cleanup costs. The Illinois Department of Public Health's response to an Hg0 spill depends on the size of the spill. Airborne concentrations after large spills are mapped with a mercury vapor analyzer (MVA) . The cleanup begins with the spill site and any hot spots that were identified with the MVA. Hard surfaces can usually be cleaned, but contaminated porous items must be discarded. Leaving marginally contaminated items outdoors for a month or more during warm weather may dissipate the Hg0. After a cleanup, clearance sampling is conducted to determine if further cleanup is needed. The best way to prevent Hg0 spills is reduce its use. Key words: cleanup, elemental mercury, health effects, mercury, prevention, remediation, spill, spill management. Environ Health Perspect 114:147-152 (2006) . doi:10.1289/ehp.7048 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 29 September 2005]
Address correspondence to T.A. Baughman, Environmental Toxicology Section, Illinois Department of Public Health, 245 W. Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. 5, West Chicago, IL 60185 USA. Telephone: (630) 293-6800. Fax: (630) 293-6908. E-mail: tbaughma@idph.state.il.us The work of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) toxicology section is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The naming of a commercial product in this article does not constitute an endorsement of that product by the IDPH. The author declares he has no competing financial interests. Received 20 February 2004 ; accepted 29 September 2005.
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