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reviseo vc1oLwl -o- rd Evaluation System & Information Service ❑ 2151 Berkeley Way Berkeley, CA 94704 ❑ 415.540-3-138 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 to mercury is from inadequate cleanup of spills. HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH MERCURY Wor and Appearance Elemental mercury is an unusual metal because it is a liquid rather than a solid, and it slow- ly evaporates at room temperature. Mercury has no odor. Another name for elemental or metallic mercury is "quicksilver." This is the kind of mercury used in ther- mometers. Mercury can combine with other chemicals to form organic (carbon -containing) or inorganic mercu- ry compounds. These other mercury compounds, such as might be found in contaminated fish, are not discussed here. This Fact Sheet deals only with elemental, or metallic, mercury in its liquid and vapor (gas) forms. Jobs Where Mercury Is Used: Mercury is commonly used in dentistry, for the preparation of fillings; in labora- tories and hospitals, as a reagent and fixative; and in medical instruments, electrical equipment, thermo- meters, barometers, pharmaceuticals, and some fluores- cent light bulbs. It is also used in the chloralkali industry, the manufacture of glassware and jewelry, and the recov- cry of gold and silver. Your Right to Know: Under the state and federal Haz- ard Communication Standards (California GISO 5194 and U.S. 29 CFR 1910. 1200), your employer must tell you tm0you are working with any hazardous substances, includ- g mercury, and must train you to use them safely_ If you think you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals at work, ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheets ( Ss) for the products in your work area An MSDS lists e hazardous chemical contents of a product, de- scribes health and safety hazards, and gives methods for its safe use, storage, and disposal. The MSDS should also include information on fire and explosion hazards, reactivity, first aid, and procedures for handling leaks d spills. Your employer must have an MSDS for any workPlace product that contains a hazardous substance, d must make it available to employees on request. This Fact Sheet is an aid for worker training programs. It does not take the place of a MaterialSafety Data Sheet. Liquid mercury easily changes into a vapor. You are most likely to be exposed by breathing in mercury vapors, which are easily absorbed through your htngs into your body. Liquid mercury is not well absorbed through the However, harmful absorption can occur through broken or damaged skin, or if there is lengthy skin con- tact. Most effects of mercury exposure develop slowly over time. Symptoms usually occur only after repeated over- exposure. These effects include insomnia, loss of