Mercury Spill Image Page
| In this spill incident, mercury beads contaminated the lab bench and rolled into the adjacent sink. The mercury vapor analyzer (left) is used to determine the extent of contamination. |
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All visible mercury beads are collected using specialty wipes or the mercury vacuum. |
| In this instance, the P-trap was removed to ensure no release of mercury to the sanitary sewer. |
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The mercury vapor analyzer being used to determine whether mercury beads indeed entered the P-trap. In this case, the P-trap was contaminated, removed and disposed as mercury-contaminated waste. |
| Mercury beads easily enter cracks and crevices.
Here the mercury vacuum is being used to decontaminate a drawer.
Even if the impacted area appears clean, there may still be hidden residual quantities of mercury present that emit vapors. For larger-sized spills, it may be necessary to monitor (test) mercury vapor levels in the immediate area. |
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Mercury vapors are readily absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and are, therefore, particularly hazardous. In extreme situations, even very small amounts of metallic mercury (several drops) may raise air concentrations to levels that may be harmful to human health.
Here the mercury vapor analyzer is being used to determine if contamination has spread to spill-response personnel. |
| This procedure is repeated after the gloves have been removed.
Mercury spills are very disruptive. Lab personnel are encouraged to use extreme caution when using mercury or mercury containing apparatus. Thorough decontamination is essential to ensure both personal safety and protection of the environment. |
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Updated May 6, 2008 by SAK
