Rational Management of Mercury Products in Uruguay

Forms of mercury

Mercury is a chemical element found in nature in air, water and soil. Its origin can be natural (volcanic activity, soils or waters naturally rich in mercury minerals, etc.) or from human emissions to air, water and soil. It exists in various forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds and organic mercury compounds.

It is a chemical element that cannot be created or destroyed. Because it is toxic to humans and animals in all its chemical forms, the only totally acceptable environmental solution for its final disposal is to place it in permanent deposits isolated from the biosphere (subway mines, special safety deposits, etc.).

The use of mercury requires certain precautions, and the worldwide trend is to reduce the need for mercury in industrial processes and mass consumption products.

Mercury exposure

Exposure to high levels of mercury can be harmful to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs and immune system of people of all ages. The population most susceptible to mercury contamination are pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. It has been shown that high levels of methylmercury in the blood of embryos and fetuses (intrauterine development) and in young children can be harmful to the nervous system as it interferes with the normal development of the central nervous system of the fetus and specifically with the normal thinking and learning process that depends on proper brain development.

Mercury sources

Mercury is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust and can be released by natural mobilization, volcanic activity or weathering of rocks; however more than two thirds of the mercury released into the environment comes from anthropogenic processes, such as the mobilization of mercury impurities in raw materials, combustion of fossil fuels, extraction of gold and other mined, treated and recycled minerals, production of Portland cement, etc.

In addition, mercury is intentionally used (added to certain products because of their specific properties) in products and processes, so it can be released during production, use or incineration of waste products, for example: incineration of hazardous waste (hospital, electronic, metallic, etc.), breakage of mercury-containing products such as thermometers, switches, fluorescent lamps (energy saving lamps, tubular (“tubolux”), etc. Improper treatment and disposal of mercury-containing products and wastes can also release mercury into the environment.

Each of the three chemical forms of mercury has a specific effect on human health. People can be exposed to mercury in different circumstances and the factors that determine the severity of the health damage caused are as follows:

– The chemical form of mercury
– The dose
– The age of the exposed person
– The duration of exposure
– The route of exposure – inhalation, ingestion, surface contact, other.
– The health of the exposed person

Effects of methylmercury

Methylmercury is the most toxic form of mercury that is produced when any form of mercury is methylated in aquatic ecosystems, either by biotic (bacteria) or purely chemical processes.

When mercury present in the atmosphere precipitates with rain, it can reach surface water bodies such as lakes and streams, or the sea. When it precipitates as dry deposition, it may eventually be washed into these water bodies by rain. Bacteria present in these media, as well as strictly chemical reactions, convert mercury to methylmercury. In this way it is incorporated by aquatic plants and animals. Fish that eat these organisms accumulate methylmercury in their bodies. Large fish that eat smaller fish concentrate the methylmercury as they eat the smaller fish, and it moves up the food chain. This process is called “bio-accumulation” and biomagnification.

Methylmercury concentrations depend on several factors, including the concentration of mercury in the water, its pH and temperature, the amount of dissolved organic solids, and the diet of the organisms in the aquatic environment Methylmercury concentrations in fish can be affected by the presence of sulfide and other chemicals contained in the water.
Because of these variables, and because of the complexity of food webs, bioaccumulation is difficult to predict and may vary from one aquatic body to another.

However, in a given aquatic body, the highest concentration of methylmercury is generally found in large fish that eat smaller fish. Methylmercury concentrations in large fish can be a million times higher than in the surrounding water. More information on EPA/USA estimates can be found in Chapter 6 and Appendix A of Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health Methylmercury.

Thus, methylmercury can be found in toxic concentrations in fish, marine mammals, and mollusks for human consumption.

Methylmercury alters neurological development in embryos, unborn fetuses and children.

Exposure to methylmercury in utero can be caused by maternal ingestion of fish and shellfish containing methylmercury and can cause adverse effects affecting the developing brain and nervous system. In children who were exposed to methylmercury in the womb, impaired cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, motor and visual skills may occur.

For more information and advice on fish consumption, consult EPA/USA fish consumption information.

In addition to the above-mentioned damage, there may be secondary symptoms such as vision loss; sensory disturbances (“tingling” usually in the hands, feet, and around the mouth); lack of coordination of movements; speech, hearing, gait and muscle weakness.

Effects of elemental mercury

Elemental (metallic) mercury causes health effects mainly when it is in a gaseous state and its vapors can be absorbed through the lungs. This exposure can occur when elemental mercury is spilled or the object containing it is broken, exposing the mercury to the air, particularly when it occurs in hot or poorly ventilated environments.

Symptoms of inhalation poisoning include: tremors; emotional changes (e.g., mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness); insomnia; neuromuscular changes (such as weakness, muscle wasting, tics); headache; discomfort; changes in nervous response; deficits in cognitive function tests. At higher exposures, kidney damage, respiratory arrest and death may occur. Persons suspecting exposure to elemental mercury should consult a physician and/or the Poison Information and Advisory Center (CIAT). The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1722.

Additional information on the health effects of elemental mercury is available at http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0370.htm.

Effects of other mercury compounds (inorganic and organic)

Exposure to a high concentration of inorganic mercury (present mainly in fish) can cause gastrointestinal, nervous system and renal damage. Both mercury compounds (inorganic and organic) are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and affect other systems via this route. However, organic mercury compounds are more readily absorbed through ingestion than inorganic mercury compounds.
Symptoms due to significant exposures to inorganic mercury include: rashes and dermatitis; mood changes; memory loss; mental disturbances; and muscle weakness. Persons suspecting exposure to inorganic mercury should consult a physician and/or CIAT.

Information on the health effects of mercury chloride, an inorganic mercury compound, is available on the IRIS database at http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0692.htm. You can also visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxicological Profile (ATSDR) on mercury at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mercury/docs.

Mercury is emitted into the air by human activity or natural sources.
Mercury is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust and can be released by natural mobilization, volcanic activity or weathering of rocks; mercury releases associated with human activity, such as the mobilization of mercury impurities in raw materials such as fossil fuels, in the extraction of gold and other mined, treated and recycled minerals, portland production. Mercury is also intentionally used in products and processes, which can be released during the production, use or incineration of waste products, for example: incineration of hazardous waste (hospital, electronic, metallic, etc.), breakage of products containing mercury (thermometers, switches, some light bulbs, etc.), inadequate treatment and final disposal of products and waste containing mercury can also release mercury into the environment.

Mercury is released to the atmosphere in one of three ways:

– Elemental mercury: can travel long distances and remain in the atmosphere for a year and can travel globally before undergoing some transformation and finally precipitating on soil or water.

– Particulate mercury: can travel long distances.

– Mercury oxide (also known as Reactive Gaseous Mercury (RGM): found mainly in water-soluble forms, can be deposited at a great distance from the source depending on a variety of factors including topographical and meteorological conditions.

For both chemically reactive mercury and particle-bound mercury, dispersion ranges from local (100 km) to regional (1000 km) are cited. Metallic mercury can spend months in a gaseous state and is therefore considered a global pollutant.

Sources of elemental mercury

When elemental mercury is spilled or a mercury-containing device breaks, the exposed elemental mercury can evaporate and become an invisible, colorless, toxic vapor. This is especially true in hot or poorly ventilated locations. Sources of potential exposure to elemental mercury will be described below.

Elemental or metallic mercury is a liquid metal used in thermometers, blood pressure gauges, lamps, barometers, thermostats, electrical switches and other commonly used products.

Mercury is also used in dental amalgams. Dental amalgams are a material used for the reconstruction of teeth. It consists of 40-50% mercury, 25% silver and another 25-35% of a mixture of copper, zinc and tin. The use of mercury amalgams is decreasing due to caries preventive treatments and the appearance of alternative materials or substitutes available in the market for these applications.

Sources of other mercury compounds (inorganic and organic)

Inorganic mercury compounds take the form of mercury salts. They are generally white powders or crystals with the exception of mercuric sulfate which is red.

Inorganic and organic compounds (such as phenylmercury acetate and ethylmercury) have been commonly used as fungicides, antiseptics or disinfectants. They have also been included in a variety of products (e.g. skin lightening creams, vaccine preservatives, etc.), most of which are currently discontinued in many countries. Small amounts of these compounds are added as preservatives in some drugs.

Mercury oxides are generally used in batteries.

Why are fluorescent lamps used?

Switching from traditional (incandescent) light bulbs to fluorescent lights is a simple and effective change that anyone could make. This change reduces household electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Lighting accounts for an average of 20% of household energy expenditures. It is estimated that household lighting energy costs are reduced by up to 75% in electrical energy when switching from traditional (incandescent) light bulbs, are more expensive but last about 10 times longer which is cost effective, and provide a quick return on investment. (ENERGY STAR)

If every household replaced just one traditional light bulb with a fluorescent bulb, enough energy would be saved in one year to light 3 million homes. This could prevent the emission of greenhouse gases in an amount equivalent to that produced by the use of 800,000 cars.

Mercury content of fluorescent lamps and fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent lamps and tubes contain a small amount of mercury sealed in the glass tube, about 5 milligrams of mercury in lamps and between 5 and 10 milligrams in tubes. (Source).

Comparatively clinical thermometers contain up to 1200 milligrams of mercury – equivalent to the mercury contained in 240 fluorescent lamps.

Mercury is an essential part of the fluorescent lamp that allows the tube to be an efficient source of light.

Mercury is not released when the tubes are intact (not broken) or during use. If the lamp or tube is broken the mercury is released, in this case see: What to do if a mercury tube or lamp is broken?

As the tube or lamp containing mercury vapor is used, some of the mercury adheres to the lamp parts, so the elemental mercury released to the atmosphere in case of breakage is less compared to a new lamp tube.

Many manufacturers are reducing the mercury content in fluorescent lamps. Thanks to technological advances and industry commitment, the average mercury content of fluorescent lamps is at least 20% lower than in the past. Some manufacturers have made further reductions, reducing mercury content by 1.4 – 2.5 milligrams per lamp.

Recommended handling

In domestic case:

Exhausted lamps should be disposed of in the new lamp box or in a cardboard box.

In case of Industry/companies/public or private institution:

A voluntary pilot program for lamp storage in industries, companies and institutions will be carried out. Those interested in participating can sign up via e-mail to the following e-mail address: mercurio.uruguay@gmail.com

In case of breakage, proceed according to: What to do if a mercury tube or lamp is broken?

What to do if a mercury thermometer breaks?

NOTE: these instructions also apply to spills from other sources, if the amount spilled is less than or similar to the amount of a thermometer (see specific information on What to do if a mercury tube or lamp is broken?)

All persons in the spill area should leave and avoid walking on the spilled mercury. Remove pets from the spill area. Open all windows and doors to the outside, and close all doors to other parts of the house.

DO NOT allow children to help clean up the spill.

Mercury can be easily cleaned from the following surfaces: wood, linoleum, tile, glass and generally all smooth surfaces.

If a spill occurs on carpet, curtains, drapes, upholstery or other absorbent surfaces, if they cannot be effectively cleaned up they should be discarded.

Items needed to clean up a small spill of mercury (about the size of a thermometer).

1. nylon bags that can be tightly closed

2. Cleaning gloves (rubber, latex or similar)

3. Paper towels

4. Cardboard or rubber sheeting

5. Adhesive tape

Cleaning instructions

1. Put on cleaning gloves

2. If there are pieces of glass or sharp objects, pick them up carefully. Place all broken objects on a paper towel. Fold the paper towel and place it in a nylon bag. Close the bag. Look for visible mercury droplets. Use the cardboard or mop to pick up the mercury droplets, slowly to avoid dispersing the mercury.

Note: Mercury can move long distances on hard, flat surfaces, so be sure to inspect the entire room.

Use masking tape to collect small, hard-to-see droplets. Place the tape in the bag with the rest of the mercury-containing waste.

Remember to keep the area well ventilated for at least 2 hours after cleaning.

For major spills:

CIAT Instructions:MERCURY instructive

MSP Instructions:MERCURY RESIDUES IN HEALTH CENTERS

• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury, as a contaminated vacuum cleaner in its subsequent use releases mercury into the air.
• Do not use a broom to clean up mercury, as the mercury will break up into small droplets that will be scattered on the floor, spreading the contamination.
• Do not pour mercury down the drain. When poured down the drain, mercury can cause contamination of the septic tank, plumbing or sewage.
• Do not wash clothes or other objects that have been in direct contact with mercury, because mercury may contaminate the washing machine, wash basin and/or contaminate wastewater. Clothing that has been in direct contact with mercury should be discarded.
• If your shoes come into contact with broken glass or mercury-contaminated dust, wipe them with a paper towel or damp cloth.
• Place the towel or rag in a plastic bag and discard in the trash.

Mercury lamps and tubes contain a very small amount of mercury sealed in the glass tube which varies among the different brands available on the market.

Modern lamps may contain a maximum of 5 to 10 mg of mercury. This amount of mercury in a lamp that is broken is distributed between the gas and the dust that coats the lamp glass. Due to the low frequency of exposure and the concentration of mercury that can diffuse into the atmosphere, a broken lamp does not represent an intolerable risk. However, it is recommended that the following cleaning and disposal information be considered.

What to do if a mercury tube or lamp breaks?

Ventilate the room before cleaning

– Open the window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

– Turn off the air conditioning, heating or ventilation if they are on.

Steps for cleaning on hard surfaces

– Carefully lift the glass fragments and dust using stiff paper or cardboard in the form of a shovel and place them in a sealable plastic bag that is not in danger of breaking.

– Use an adhesive tape to collect the remaining glass fragments and dust.

– Clean the area with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Then place the used towels in the same bag.

– Do not vacuum or sweep up debris from broken mercury lamps or light tubes on hard surfaces (Do not vacuum because the mercury remains in the vacuum bag and gradually evaporates; do not sweep because the mercury “pellets” are dispersed all over the place).

Steps to clean carpets

– Carefully pick up the glass fragments and dust using stiff paper or cardboard in the form of a shovel and place them in a sealed plastic bag that is not at risk of breaking.

– Use adhesive tape to collect the remaining glass fragments and dust.

Steps for cleaning clothing, bed linen and other soft objects

– If clothing or any other soft material came in direct contact with the broken glass or mercury contained in the powder inside the light tube or lamp, it should be discarded. Do not wash any of the clothes.

– If the footwear was in contact with broken glass or mercury powder from inside the tube or lamp, clean them with wet paper or disposable wet wipes. Then place them in the plastic bag for disposal.

Disposal of cleaning materials

– After completion of the cleanup, wash your hands after properly disposing of the plastic bags containing the toxic material.

– Dispose of the collected material in the hermetically sealed bag wrapped in cardboard and dispose of it in the container.