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rewsea vclooer svo-, a 1, &S S Fact Sheet rssrd Evaluation "SM & information Service 0 2151 Berkeley Way Serkefel, CSI9M 0 415-540.3138 �N N caftrww"W"8"WWP .swenw.M0 11 at man swvbe<wr V.tlW loXm Nmftr,l I at mftw N ftwww me awsw Nnatir. Mercury Health Hazard Summary: Overexposure to elemental (metallic) mercury most commonly affects the nervous system, causing weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It can also damage the kidneys. In limited studies, mercury has been found to affect pregnancy or fertility in male and female laboratory animals. A major source of chronic exposure t©mercury is from inadequate cleanup of spills. HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE If you think you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals WORKING WITH MERCURY at work, ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)for the products in your work area An MSDS Sorand Appearanev Elemental mercury is an unusual lists the hazardous chemical contents of a product,de metal because it is aliquid rather than a solid,and it slow- scribes its health and safety hazards,and gives methods ly evaporates at room temperature. Mercury has no for its safe use,storage,and disposal. The MSDS should odor.Another name for elemental or metallic mercury is also include information on fire and explosion hazards, "quicksilver." This is the kind of mercury used in ther- reactivity, first aid, and procedures for handling leaks mometers. Mercury can combine with other chemicals and spills. Your employer must have an MSDS for any to form organic(carbon-containing)or inorganic mercu- workplace product that contains a hazardous substanc c, Ty compounds. These other mercury compounds,such and must make it available to employees on request. as might be found in contaminated fish,are not discussed This Fact Sheet is an aid for worker training programs. here. This Fact Sheet deals only with elemental, or It does not take the place of a Material Safety Data Sheet. metallic,mercury in its liquid and vapor(gas)forms. Jobs When Mercury Is Used: Mercury is commonly HOW MERCURY ENTERS AND used in dentistry,for the preparation of fillings;in labora- AFFECTS YOUR BODY tones and hospitals, as a reagent and fixative; and in medical instruments, electrical equipment, thermo- Liquid mercury easily changes into a vapor. You are meters,barometers,pharmaceuticals,and some fluores- most likely to be exposed by breathing in mercury vapors, cent light bulbs. It is also used in the chloralkali industry, which are easily absorbed through your lungs Tato your the manufacture of glassware and jewelry,and the recov- body. Lquid mercury is not well absorbed through the try of gold and silver. skin. However,harmful absorption can occur through Your Right to Rnom Under the state and federal Haz- broken or damaged tkia,or if there is lengthy skin con- ard Communication Standards (California GISO 5194 tact. and U.S.29 CFR 1910.1200),your employer must tell you Most effects of mercury exposure develop slowly aver gyou are working with any hazardous substance,includ- time. Symptoms usually occur only after repeated over- g mercury,and must train you to use them safely. exposure. These effects include insomnia, loss of