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Mercury exists in three forms: elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds (primarily mercuric chloride), and organic mercury compounds (primarily methyl mercury). All forms of mercury are quite toxic, and each form exhibits different health effects.
Exposure Sources
Workers in any facility who handle spent fluorescent bulbs are at risk of exposure. The highest exposures occur in workers who operate drum-top crushing machines or fluorescent bulb recycling machines in facilities where these bulbs are recycled; these workers may need extensive safety training. Workers who merely change out and dispose of spent fluorescent bulbs should have basic awareness training regarding hazards and precautions.
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Mercury is a health hazard to workers as well as an environmental hazard. Workers should know not to release it intentionally and to take care not to release it accidentally. They need to be aware of proper disposal methods for fluorescent bulbs, which are subject to EPA rules.
Fluorescent Bulb Hazards
With most bulbs, the only hazard you have to worry about is broken glass. But with fluorescent bulbs, including CFLs, there’s another hazard to worry about: Mercury is a dangerous hazard to your health and the environment.
It’s illegal to dispose of these bulbs in the regular trash, even the ones workers use at home. And when workers are handling the bulbs, they should take care not to break them and to use special cleanup techniques if they do.
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Mercury is one of the heavy metals. It has very useful properties, including a relatively low melting point. But it is also dangerous. Mercury is a developmental toxin (it can cause damage to a developing fetus) under California’s Proposition 65; in children and adults, it is a severe neurotoxin, affecting the brain and central nervous system. Mercury is also harmful to the kidneys. If released into the environment, it can contaminate our food and water supply.
Acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of elemental mercury in humans results in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as:
- Tremors
- Mood changes
- Slowed sensory and motor nerve function
Chronic (long-term) exposure to elemental mercury in humans also affects the CNS, with effects such as:
- Erethism (increased excitability)
- Irritability
- Excessive shyness
- Tremors
Human studies are inconclusive regarding elemental mercury and cancer. The EPA has classified elemental mercury as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity, based on inadequate human and animal data.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at ways to prevent mercury poisoning in workers who handle spent fluorescent bulbs.
Some polyurethane or rubber-like floorings manufactured from about 1960 to 1980 contained mercuric acetate. These floors are most often found in sports settings (e.g., gymnasiums, running tracks) but also can be found in industrial plants and hospitals – wherever a cushioned, all weather, non-slip surface would be needed. See the link for additional information on this published research.