skip navigational links Occupational Safety & Health Administration DOL.gov OSHA.gov DOL.gov
www.OSHA.gov
Mercury Safety and Health Topics
Mercury

Mercury is naturally occurring and exists in several forms. High mercury exposure results in permanent nervous system and kidney damage. Exposure is most likely to occur during mining, production, and transportation of mercury, as well as mining and refining of gold and silver ores. Mercury is commonly found in thermometers, manometers, barometers, gauges, valves, switches, batteries, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. It is also used in amalgams for dentistry, preservatives, heat transfer technology, pigments, catalysts, and lubricating oils.

The following questions link to information relevant to mercury in the workplace.

OSHA Standards What OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Directives | Standard Interpretations | More
Properties and Health Effects What are the properties and health effects of mercury compounds?
Properties | Health Effects | Epidemiological Studies | Occupational Exposures
Evaluation How are the exposures to mercury evaluated?
Elemental | Aryl and Inorganic | Organomercury (Alkyl Compounds)
Possible Solutions What are some possible solutions to reduce exposures to mercury?
 
Additional Information What additional information is available?
Training | Other Resources
 Safety and
 Health Topics
 
  Mercury
  OSHA Standards
  Properties and Health Effects
  Evaluation
  Possible Solutions
  Additional
Information
  Credits
 
Content Reviewed 10/04/2007
 
 

Back to TopBack to Top www.osha.gov www.dol.gov

Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers
Occupational Safety & Health Administrations
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
Page last updated: 10/04/2007