Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993, respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are advised to determine whether new information is available.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR MERCURY VAPOR
INTRODUCTION
This guideline summarizes pertinent information about mercury vapor for
workers and employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and
other occupational safety and health professionals who may need such
information to conduct effective occupational safety and health programs.
Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields;
readers are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general
guidelines and to determine whether new information is available.
SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION
* Formula
Hg
* Structure
(For Structure, see paper copy)
* Synonyms
None reported.
* Identifiers
1. CAS No.: 7439-97-6
2. RTECS No.: OV4550000
3. Specific DOT number: None
4. Specific DOT label: None
* Appearance and odor
Mercury vapor is the vapor generated from elemental liquid mercury
or compounds of mercury. No information is available on the appearance or
odor of mercury vapor.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data
1. Atomic weight: 200.59
2. Boiling point: Not applicable.
3. Specific gravity: Not applicable.
4. Vapor density: Data not available.
5. Melting/Freezing point: Not applicable.
6. Vapor pressure: Not applicable.
7. Solubility: Not applicable.
8. Evaporation rate: Not applicable.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: None reported.
2. Incompatibilities: None reported.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: Not applicable.
4. Special precautions: None reported.
* Flammability
The National Fire Protection Association has not assigned a
flammability rating to mercury vapor.
1. Flash point: Not applicable.
2. Autoignition temperature: Not applicable.
3. Flammable limits in air: Not applicable.
4. Extinguishant: Use an extinguishant that is suitable for the materials
involved in the surrounding fire.
Fires involving mercury vapor should be fought upwind from the
maximum distance possible. Isolate the hazard area and deny access to
unnecessary personnel. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective
clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving
mercury vapor.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
* OSHA PEL The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for mercury vapor is 0.1 milligram
per cubic meter (mg/m(3)) of air as a ceiling limit. A worker's exposure to
mercury vapor shall at no time exceed this ceiling level.
* NIOSH REL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for mercury vapor of 0.05
mg/m(3) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. NIOSH
also assigns a "Skin" notation, which indicates that the cutaneous route of
exposure, including mucous membranes and eyes, contributes to overall
exposure [NIOSH 1992].
* ACGIH TLV
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH) has assigned mercury vapor a threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.025
mg/m(3) as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek and
considers mercury vapor an A4 substance (not classifiable as a human
carcinogen). The ACGIH also assigns a "Skin" notation to mercury vapor
[ACGIH 1994, p. 25].
* Rationale for Limits
The NIOSH limit is based on the risk of central nervous system
damage, eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation [NIOSH 1992].
The ACGIH has not published documentation for the current TLV for
mercury vapor. The 1991 Documentation of Threshold Limit Values (6th
edition) discusses the basis for the prior TLV of 0.05 mg/m(3), but does not
discuss the current TLV for mercury vapor [ACGIH 1991, p. 881].
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
* Routes of Exposure
Exposure to mercury vapor can occur through inhalation, and eye or
skin contact.
* Summary of toxicology
1. Effects on Animals: Mercury vapor can damage the kidneys, liver,
brain, heart, lungs and colon in experimental animals. It is also mutagenic
and can affect the immune system. Rabbits exposed for a single 4 hour period
to mercury vapor at a concentration of 28.8 mg/m(3) developed severe damage
to the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, lungs, and colon [Clayton and Clayton
1981]. Rabbits exposed to 0.86 mg/m(3) for 6 weeks had significant brain and
kidney damage, which resolved on cessation of exposure. Exposure to 6
mg/m(3) mercury vapor caused severe damage to the kidney, heart, lung, and
brain of rabbits; however, dogs exposed to 0.1 mg/m(3) for 83 weeks had no
microscopic indication of tissue damage [Clayton and Clayton 1981]. Mercury
may injure the kidneys through an autoimmune mechanism [ACGIH 1991]. Mercury
was mutagenic in eukaryotic cells [ACGIH 1991].
2. Effects on Humans: Mercury vapor can cause effects in the central and
peripheral nervous systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes in humans. It is
also mutagenic and affects the immune system [Hathaway et al. 1991; Clayton
and Clayton 1981; Rom 1992]. Acute exposure to high concentrations of
mercury vapor causes severe respiratory damage, while chronic exposure to
lower levels is primarily associated with central nervous system damage
[Hathaway et al. 1991]. Chronic exposure to mercury is also associated with
behavioral changes and alterations in peripheral nervous system [ACGIH 1991].
Pulmonary effects of mercury vapor inhalation include diffuse interstitial
pneumonitis with profuse fibrinous exudation [Gosselin 1984]. Glomerular
dysfunction and proteinuria have been observed mercury exposed workers [ACGIH
1991]. Chronic mercury exposure can cause discoloration of the cornea and
lens, eyelid tremor and, rarely, disturbances of vision and extraocular
muscles [Grant 1986]. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been reported
in individuals exposed to mercury vapor [Clayton and Clayton 1981]. Mercury
vapor is reported to be mutagenic in humans, causing aneuploidy in
lymphocytes of exposed workers [Hathaway et al. 1991].
* Signs and symptoms of exposure
1. Acute exposure: Acute inhalation of mercury vapor may result in
toxicity similar to metal fume fever including chills, nausea, general
malaise, tightness in the chest, chest pains, dyspnea, cough, stomatitis,
gingivitis, salivation, and diarrhea [ACGIH 1991; Hathaway et al. 1991].
2. Chronic exposure: Chronic exposure to mercury may result in weakness,
fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and disturbance of gastrointestinal function.
A tremor may develop beginning with the fingers, eyelids, and lips which may
progress to generalized trembling of the entire body and violent chronic
spasms of the extremities. Parallel with development of the tremors,
behavioral and personality changes may develop including increased
excitability, memory loss, insomnia, and depression. The skin may exhibit
abnormal blushing, dermographia, excessive sweating and irregular macular
rashes. Severe salivation and gingivitis is also characteristic of chronic
toxicity [Hathaway et al. 1991; Gosselin 1984]. Another manifestation of
chronic mercury exposure is characterized by apathy, anorexia, flush, fever,
a nephrotic syndrome with albuminuria and generalized edema, diaphoresis,
photophobia, insomnia and a pruritic and sometimes painful scaling or peeling
of the skin of the hands and feet with bullous lesions [Gosselin 1984].
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES
* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]
5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and
implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the
Material Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
[29 CFR 1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency
procedures, the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods
of protecting themselves during rescue operations.
EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS
The following operations may involve mercury and lead to worker exposures to
the vapor of this substance:
* The mining, production, and transportation of mercury * The mining
and refining operations for gold and silver ores * Use in thermometers,
manometers, barometers, gauges, and valves * Use in amalgams for
dentistry, preservatives, heat transfer technology, pigments, catalysts, and
in lubricating oils
Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to mercury vapor,
depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:
* Process enclosure * Local exhaust ventilation * General dilution
ventilation * Personal protective equipment
Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous
substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].
Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:
1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended
practice. 21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists.
2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion.
Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems.
New York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.
4. Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of
workplace hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
5. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL:
National Safety Council.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When
these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for
additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are
exposed to mercury vapor are required to implement medical surveillance
procedures.
* Medical Screening
Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored
in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent
occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of
employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse
health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The
occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should
prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial
hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment).
A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such
measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical
evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically
during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or
termination.
* Preplacement medical evaluation
Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to
mercury vapor, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and
document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical,
environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and
physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational
risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity of the eyes,
skin, respiratory system, central and peripheral nervous systems, and
kidneys. Medical surveillance for respiratory disease should be conducted
using the principles and methods recommended by the American Thoracic
Society.
A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical
conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a
worker is exposed to mercury vapor at or below the prescribed exposure limit.
The health care professional should consider the probable frequency,
intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any
applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded
as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a history and other
findings consistent with diseases of the eyes, skin, respiratory system,
central and peripheral nervous systems, or kidneys.
* Periodic medical evaluations
Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be
performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by
any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists
and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years
or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health
physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops
symptoms attributable to mercury vapor exposure. The interviews,
examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on identifying the
adverse effects of mercury vapor on the eyes, skin, respiratory system,
central and peripheral nervous systems, or kidneys. Current health status
should be compared with the baseline health status of the individual worker
or with expected values for a suitable reference population.
* Termination medical evaluations
The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the
physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were
conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job
transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end
of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should
be compared with those expected for a suitable reference
population.
* Biological monitoring
Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues
or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite.
No biological monitoring test acceptable for routine use has yet been
developed for mercury vapor. However, total inorganic mercury can be
measured in the urine by preshift sampling. A mercury level of 35 micrograms
per gram of creatinine should be used as the biological exposure index. In
addition, total inorganic mercury can also be measured in the blood by
sampling at the end of shift at the end of the workweek. A mercury level of
15 micrograms per liter of blood should be used as the biological exposure
index.
WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne mercury vapor is made using
a Hydrar or Hopcalite tube (200 mg section), SKC brand with a
prefilter/cassette. Samples are collected at a maximum flow rate of 0.2
liter/minute (TWA) until a minimum collection volume of 3 liters (or a
maximum collection volume of 96 liters) is reached. Analysis is conducted by
atomic absorption spectroscopy/ cold vapor (AAS/cold vapor). This method
(OSHA ID-140) is described in the OSHA Computerized Information System [OSHA
1994] and is fully validated. This method is also described in NIOSH Method
No. 6009 of the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods [NIOSH 1994b].
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency
planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community
right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users
are therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is
available. The following section uses information pertaining to elemental
mercury because mercury vapor itself is not listed.
* Emergency planning requirements
Mercury is not subject to EPA emergency planning requirements under
the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (Title III) in 42 USC
11022.
* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases
A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling,
leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting,
escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the
abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous
substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable quantity
for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper Federal,
State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].
The reportable quantity of mercury is 1 pound. If an amount equal
to or greater than this quantity is released within a 24-hour period in a
manner that will expose persons outside the facility, employers are required
to do the following:
- Notify the National Response Center immediately at (800)
424-8802 or at (202) 426-2675 in Washington, D.C. [40 CFR 302.6].
* Community right-to-know requirements
Employers who own or operate facilities in SIC codes 20 to 39 that
employ 10 or more workers and that manufacture 25,000 pounds or more of
mercury per calendar year or otherwise use 10,000 pounds or more of mercury
per calendar year are required by EPA [40 CFR Part 372.30] to submit a Toxic
Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting the amount of
mercury emitted or released from their facility annually.
* Hazardous waste management requirements
EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the
following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or
toxicity as defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed
many chemical wastes as hazardous. Mercury is listed as a hazardous waste
under RCRA and has been assigned EPA Hazardous Waste No. U151. This
substance has been banned from land disposal until treated by retorting or
roasting.
Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of
specific chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S.
Department of Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be
followed to ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance
are conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that
chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers should
address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the
Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington,
D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be contacted
for information on any requirements they may have for the waste removal and
disposal of this substance.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
* Conditions for respirator use
Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls
be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous
materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may
require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn
if the ambient concentration of mercury vapor exceeds prescribed exposure
limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been
installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair
activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require
entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergencies. Workers
should only use respirators that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
* Respiratory protection program
Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program
that, at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory
Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include
respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the
work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel,
respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator
maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate
respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct
respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program
and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on
the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of
respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH Respirator Decision
Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection
[NIOSH 1987a].
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment
that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in
preventing skin contact with mercury vapor. The selection of the appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves, encapsulating
suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential exposure to
mercury vapor. There are no published reports on the resistance of various
materials to permeation by mercury vapor.
To evaluate the use of PPE materials with mercury vapor, users should
consult the best available performance data and manufacturers'
recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the
chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl)
produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of
a mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat
components.
Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically
evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety
showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that
involve mercury vapor.
Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long,
minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or
other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.
In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel (e.g.,
aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms, coveralls,
or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day. Employers should
provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and street clothing
separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work
shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be informed
about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and instructed
about measures to minimize their health risk.
Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be
inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.
Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation,
especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work
environments.
REFERENCES
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exposure indices. 6th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
ACGIH [1994]. 1994-1995 Threshold limit values for chemical substances and
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ATS [1987]. Standardization of spirometry -- 1987 update. American
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toxicology. 3rd rev. ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Gosselin RE, Smith RP, Hodge HC [1984]. Clinical toxicology of commercial
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Grant WM [1986]. Toxicology of the eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles
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Hathaway GJ, Proctor NH, Hughes JP, and Fischman ML [1991]. Proctor and
Hughes' chemical hazards of the workplace. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van
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