Is There Mercury in Your Home or Office?

Not long ago, San Diego's CBS affiliate, KFMB-TV, posted information from the EPA about how to respond to a mercury spill. Most people don't recognize that they come in close proximity to products and materials that may contain mercury on an almost daily basis and that it only takes a small amount to pose a health risk.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to as quicksilver that volatizes readily.

The metal has traditionally been used to make products like thermometers, switches, and some light bulbs. Many water-based paints used mercury as a preservative until its use was discontinued in 1991. These paints, that contain mercury, should not be used indoors and many old cans of the materials likely exist in people's homes and storage facilities.

“Research has shown that mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages,” reported Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark, a leading indoor environmental consulting firm. “Even mild mercury poisoning cases can result in a loss of sensation to the hands and feet, tiredness, and even blurred vision. When a mercury spill occurs it's essential that experienced professionals are involved to ensure that all the mercury contamination is removed and no longer poses a health risk to building occupants. CSC has extensive experience dealing with all types of indoor environmental and indoor air quality contaminants. With offices across the West Coast and Southwest, CSC is ready to respond at a moment's notice,” he continued.

To learn more about responding to mercury spills, or indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and health and safety issues, please visit http://www.csceng.com

Source: Clark Seif Clark (CSC)