Chemicals
Mercury
Mercury is naturally occurring and exists in several forms. High mercury exposure results in permanent nervous system and kidney damage.
Employee exposure to mercury from accidental spills can occur during repair of broken thermometers, sphygmomanometers, or during sterilization and centrifugation of thermometers in maintenance areas. Mercury can also be found in some pressure-sensing instruments (e.g., barometers and sensors in machine rooms), as well as electronic equipment, and some older, medical devices. When mercury is exposed to the air, as in the case of a spill, it slowly vaporizes.
If spills are not promptly cleaned up, mercury may accumulate on surfaces and then vaporize and be inhaled by unaware workers. Mercury can also be absorbed through the skin.
Case Report
A wall-mounted blood pressure unit in a doctor's office examination room failed spilling mercury on the tiled floor. The facility closed the room and hired a contractor to clean up the mercury. After cleanup, air sampling results indicated that mercury was still present. When facility staff called the State Health Department for advice, the Department conducted further air sampling and located additional beads of mercury. In all, it took the contractor several days and three cleaning cycles to completely remove all the mercury and decontaminate the office.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-8. High mercury exposure can cause which of the following health issues?
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