2
Owner’s Manual
SAFETY INFORMATION
Safe Handling and Disposing of Mercury
Mercury is used in the IDU™ device in order to generate the plasma needed to produce UV-C radiation. This
is similar to the use of mercury in many types of commercial, fluorescent light fixtures. As long as the glass or
quartz outer bulb is intact, mercury is contained within the fixture and poses no health hazard. In the event
that an optic breaks, less than 25 mg of mercury could be released. This is much less than what is present in a
commercial thermometer. Liquid metallic mercury is hazardous due to its potential to release mercury vapor. In
humans, approximately 80% of inhaled mercury vapor is absorbed via the respiratory tract, where it enters the
circulatory system and is distributed throughout the body. Short term exposure to 25 mg of spilled mercury does
not pose a health hazard,
provided that the source of the mercury is removed promptly
. Chronic exposure by
inhalation, even at low concentrations in the range 0.7–42 μg/m3, can cause effects such as tremors, impaired
cognitive skills, and sleep disturbance in workers. The OHSA limit for occupational exposure of elemental
mercury is 0.1 mg/m3. Mercury is also used in most fluorescent light fixtures.
In the event that the device optic light does not function, the optics should be checked to ensure that they are
intact. If the optic is cracked, but not broken, it should be replaced. Cracked optics should be double sealed in
plastic bags and disposed of according to local, approved procedures. In the event that the optic breaks and the
mercury spilled is clean-up should be done immediately according to the following procedure published by the
Environment Protection Agency.
• Evacuate the room for at least 15 minutes
• Do not attempt to clean up the spill with a vacuum
cleaner, mop or broom.
• Dispose of clothing, fabric etc. that has come in
contact with mercury; do not wash.
• Only the individual to clean up the spill should re-
occupy the space.
• Close the doors to the area of the spill and turn
off the HVAC system; open exterior windows and
direct room air out of the window with fans or use
an exhaust fan if the area is equipped with one that
vents directly outdoors.
• Cover shoes with disposable foot covers or wear
shoes that will be disposed of.
• Remove jewelry as mercury will amalgamate with
metals and ruin them .
• Use a commercial mercury spill clean-up kit to
remove the spilled mercury. (See list of suppliers
on the next page).
•
Identify items in the spill area that can be
cleaned and those that cannot.
Non-porous
surfaces (finished wood, plastic or concrete)
can be cleaned following this guidance. Porous
surfaces or fabric-covered items (upholstery,
carpeting, stuffed animals, pillows, backpacks,
unfinished wood, cork, cardboard) are difficult to
clean because mercury beads may be trapped in
these materials. If you decide you cannot clean
these items, place them in plastic trash bags or
cover or wrap them in a double layer of plastic and
carefully seal with tape. Place the wrapped items in
a secure place, preferably outdoors and out of the
reach of children and pets. You should consult with
a trained professional about how to decontaminate
or dispose of these items safely.
•
Wear gloves to carefully pick up the larger pieces
of broken glass and what remains of the broken
device and place them on a paper towel.
Gently
fold the paper towel around these pieces so you
can pick the bundle up and place it in a zipper-type
plastic bag.
Use index cards or stiff cardboard to
push smaller pieces of glass and mercury beads
together into a pile.
Shine a flashlight at an angle
to locate beads of mercury. The beads will reflect
light from the flashlight. Check for mercury in
cracks or in hard-to-reach areas where beads may
be hidden or trapped. Check a wide area beyond
the spill.