Risques physiques et chimiques - Prévenir les problèmes de santé reliés au travail
Metallic mercury (Français)
What is metallic mercury?
Where is metallic mercury found at work? In industry |
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- Electrical
- Fluorescent tubes, mercury lamps
- Illuminated display signs (neon)
- Switches, accumulators - Chemical
- Production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide
In measuring instruments
- thermometers
- barometers
- manometers, etc.
In the health sector
- Dentists
- Dental amalgam - Health care institutions
- Several scientific and technological medical sources. E.g.: thermometer
Exposure to metallic mercury
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Effects of mercury on health Vapours that are breathed in are absorbed rapidly by the blood which enables them to reach various organs in the body. Mercury accumulates mostly in the kidneys and the brain. Mercury is eliminated from the body through stool and urine. It is also found in breast milk. |
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Effects of acute exposure on health massive doses over a short period
- Irritation of the respiratory tract accompanied by cough, shortness of breath and chest pain
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Skin rash, itching
- Fatigue, fever
- Inflammation of the gums
Effects of chronic exposure on healthdoses repeated over a long period
- Emotional instability, irritability, depressive reaction
- Inflammation of the gums, sometimes accompanied by abundant salivation
- Finger, eyelid, or lip tremors
- Muscular weakness, numbness
- Memory loss, insomnia
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Kidney damage
Sensitization (skin allergy) could occur following contact with the skin without
acute intoxication
To prevent intoxication
At source
- Substitute a less toxic product for mercury.
- Use instruments that do not contain mercury. E.g.: Electronic thermometer .
- Modify production processes. E.g.: Closed-circuit process.
- Handle it under a fume hood to eliminate vapours.
In the work environment
- Ensure that the walls and floor are smooth and non-porous since mercury tends to fragment into smaller and smaller droplets as soon as it is moved and can find itself jammed into floor grooves or encrusted into porous joints.
- Use smooth work tables without joints and fitted with edges to contain any spills.
- Avoid overheating rooms since mercury evaporation increases as the temperature rises.
- To prevent environmental contamination, avoid burning items soiled with mercury or throwing them into the garbage or down a sewer.
- Do not dispose of mercury into sinks since it can accumulate in S-shaped pipes and continue to release toxic vapours every time hot water runs down the pipe.
- Eliminate mercury and waste products according to the regulations governing hazardous waste and environmental protection.
- Store mercury in closed unbreakable containers.
- Keep a register of how mercury is used and the quantities on site. This measure will allow you to take note of eventual losses and verify the reasons for these losses.
- Organize job tasks in order to have the lowest number of people exposed.
- Handle mercury with appropriate gloves.
- Use respiratory protection equipment (mask) if indicated.
Abide by hygiene and prevention directives
- Do not keep food and do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where mercury
is handled.
- Wash hands before leaving areas where mercury is handled and before eating,
drinking, or smoking.
- At work, wear work clothes that are different than your street clothes.
- Locker rooms should be separate from the work area; there should be a locker for street clothes and one for work clothes.
- Do not bring clothes or soiled objects home to avoid exposing your family to mercury.
- Wash work clothes separately.
| Any mercury spilled in a room should be quickly
recovered according to pre-established procedures |
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- A recovery and decontamination procedure should be established in the institution (see the employer or the health and safety officer)
- Isolate the site where the spill has occurred. Only authorized persons should have access to it.
- Do not use broom or regular vacuum cleaner.
- For more information, contact the occupational health team at the CLSC responsible for your enterprise.
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