AirCycler 333-200-120, User Manual

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Small Quantity Generators (SQG) are persons who generate 220 to 2200 lbs. of hazardous waste per month.
These generators must keep proper records of the waste, report to EPA, and follow accumulation
requirements. These generators can store up to 6 months without a storage permit.
Large Quantity Generators (LQG) generate more than 2200 lbs. of hazardous waste per month. These
generators are subject to the full hazardous waste management requirements. These generators cannot store
hazardous wastes on site for more than 90 days (3 months) without obtaining a storage permit.
There are 2 categories of Universal Waste handlers:
1. Small Quantity Handler - Generator who accumulates less than 11,000 lbs. of universal waste
(batteries, pesticides, thermostats, or lamps) at any time.
2. Large Quantity Handler - Generator who accumulates more than 11,000 lbs. of universal waste
(batteries, pesticides, thermostats, or lamps) at any time.
Universal Waste Storage Limits:
Both Small and Large Quantity Generators of Universal Waste can generally store their Universal
Waste for one year. (For more information please contact your state Environmental Protection Agency
or Air Cycle Corporation.)
Mercury Emissions
The disposal of mercury-containing fluorescent lamps and the potential for emissions is of concern because
mercury is a highly toxic metal that bio-accumulates through the food chain. Mercury also has a low vapor
pressure of 2 x 10-3 mm (at 25ºC) and readily evaporates to form mercury vapor at room temperature.
Therefore, emissions of mercury in liquid or vapor form require health and environmental consideration. The
volatilization is especially significant with respect to human health, as it results in ambient mercury vapor that
can be absorbed into the human body through various pathways. These include direct inhalation, ingestion
through surface contamination, and absorption through the skin of elemental mercury. Generally, excessive
exposure to various forms of mercury has been shown to adversely affect the human central nervous system,
lungs, kidneys, skin, and reproductive system.
Local Effects
Mercury is a primary irritant of the skin and mucous membranes. It may occasionally be a skin sensitizer in
some individuals.
Systemic Effects
Acute (short-term) poisoning due to mercury vapors adversely affects the lungs primarily, in the form of acute
interstitial pneumonitis, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
Chronic (long-term) exposure to lower mercury levels over prolonged periods of time produces symptoms that
can vary widely from individual to individual. These may include weakness, fatigability, loss of appetite, loss of
weight, insomnia, indigestion, diarrhea, metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation, soreness of mouth or
throat, inflammation of gums, black line at the gums, loosening of teeth, irritability, loss of memory, and tremors
of fingers, eyelids, lips, or tongue. In general, chronic mercury exposure produces four classical signs:
gingivitis, excessive salivation, increased irritability, and muscular tremors. Rarely are all four seen together in
an individual case. More extensive exposures to excessive mercury levels, either by daily exposures or one-
time, can produce extreme irritability, excitability, anxiety, delirium with hallucinations, melancholia, manic-
depressive psychosis, and adverse effects on the reproductive organs. Either acute or chronic exposure may
produce permanent changes to affected organs and organ systems. Excessive exposure to various forms of
mercury has been shown to adversely affect the human central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive
system.
Table 1 (page 28) provides a summary of the clinical importance of various forms of mercury.