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Is Elemental Mercury dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Once vaporized, the lungs readily absorb elemental mer-
cury from inhaled air. High level acute doses and lower level chronic
doses are both causes for concern.
If accidentally ingested, very small amounts of elemental mercury will
not be absorbed by the digestive system and will be excreted.
Some forms of mercury COMPOUNDS (not the type used in blood
pressure instruments) are highly toxic and particularly dangerous.
These should NOT be confused with elemental mercury.
Because there is so little actual mercury in a mercurial blood pressure
instrument, the exposure to a spill or leakage, if properly and
promptly contained, will generally pose little if any health risk.
DIAGNOSTIX
™
Blood Pressure instruments use less than 2 ounces of
99.9999% pure elemental mercury.
What should I do in the event of a spill?
First, isolate the area to prevent further contamination or spread of the
spilled liquid. Spilled mercury should be picked up at once since the
mercury will vaporize rapidly and may contaminate the surrounding
air.
Larger spills involving the entire contents of the mercury instrument
(about 2 oz.) may be cleaned up with a commercially made mercury
suction pump. Do not dry sweep or use ordinary vacuum cleaners on
floors exposed to mercury spills since this may produce additional
hazardous vapors.
In the unlikely event of a spill, it will most likely involve very small
amounts of just a few drops of spilled mercury. These smaller amounts
may be picked up with mercury absorbent sponges or gently swept
into a collection container using a soft bristled DISPOSABLE brush.
(Remember to dispose of the brush after use).
Carpet, crevices, and other difficult to clean areas may be cleaned using
a mercury absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form a harm-
less amalgam.
The suction pump, sponges, and powder are available through labora-
tory and safety supply companies.
As a convenience to our customers, a mercury spill kit may be
obtained directly from ADC by calling our customer service de-
partment toll-free at 1-800-ADC-2670 (p/n 980SK).
