Chemical States: Elemental, inorganic, and organic (alkyl/methyl and aryl/phenyl)
Order of Toxicity (Low to High): Elemental< inorganic< organic (aryl/phenyl< alkyl/methyl) Target Organs/Tissue: Kidneys, central nervous system (CNS)/brain, and skin
Bioaccumulation:
- Kidneys: Inorganic mercury, aryl/phenyl mercury
- CNS/Brain: Elemental mercury and alkyl/methyl mercury
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, absorption, and ingestion
Health Effects:
- Kidneys: Reduced kidney function
- CNS/Brain: Psychological, emotional, and behavioral disorders
- Skin: Irritation, allergic reaction
Uses
- Elemental: Thermometers, electrical switches, fluorescent lamps, dental amalgams Inorganic Mercury: Tanning, dyeing, pharmaceuticals
- Alkyl (Methyl) Mercury: Disinfectants, wood preservatives, fungicides
- Aryl (Phenyl) Mercury: Disinfectants, antiseptics, germicides, pharmaceutical preservatives
Standards
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- 1,000 ng/m3 for residence with children and 24 hour occupancy
- 3,000 ng/m3 for children and adults with 8 hour per day and 5 day a week occupancy with polyurethane floors
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- 0.05 mg/m3 for 8 hours a day as a time weighted average (TWA); Or
- 50,000 ng/m3 for 8 hours a day, as a time weighted average (TWA)
Precautions and Prevention Measures
- Regularly clean and sanitize floor Exercise personal hygiene
- Ventilate the space
- Maintain low temperatures below 78 degree Farenheit
- Regular visual inspection for floor damage
- Limit usage and encourage outdoor usage
- Monitor air quality and report findings
- Abate floor mat