Mercury

Mercury MSDS

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a silver-white, heavy, mobile liquid metal with no specific odor. It is a poor conductor of heat, but a fair conductor of electricity. It is used in barometers, thermometers, hydrometers, pyrometers, and mercury arc lamps that produce ultraviolet rays. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and antifouling paints. Due to its high toxicity, the use of mercury is greatly diminishing. Mercury is corrosive to metals and very toxic to aquatic life, leaving long-lasting damage. Volcanoes are natural sources of mercury. Humans produce mercury mainly through combustion and gold production.

Mercury Exposure and Health Risks

Mercury is readily absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory tract, causing heavy metal poisoning. Chronic exposure may cause inflammation or the mouth and gums, kidney damage, muscle tremors, depression of the central nervous system, and psychiatric disorders like hallucinations, psychosis, and extreme nervousness. Mercury is toxic by ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. It causes damage to organs, fertility, and fetuses.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA

Measuring Mercury

Mercury concentration in the air can be measured in units of mg/m³. The Mercury Badge is constructed from three cells attached to a flat indicator layer. Mercury vapor diffuses to the cells through the diffusive resistances and reacts with the indicator layer, producing a color change from white to purple. The color produced is a direct measure of the exposure level. All of our Mercury products can be viewed HERE.

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