Hazardous Substances: Mercury (Hg)

Chemical Properties:
- Symbol: Hg
- Atomic number: 80
- Appearance: Silvery liquid at room temperature
- Density: Heavy metal with a high density
Sources of Mercury:
- Natural: Volcanic eruptions, erosion of rocks, and oceanic emissions
- Anthropogenic: Mining (especially gold), coal combustion, industrial processes, and waste incineration
Forms of Mercury:
- Elemental Mercury: Liquid form, found in thermometers and barometers
- Inorganic Mercury: Present in some batteries, disinfectants, and skin-lightening creams
- Organic Mercury: Methylmercury, commonly found in fish, from the bioaccumulation process
Health Effects:
- Acute Exposure: Respiratory issues, skin irritation, gastrointestinal disturbances
- Chronic Exposure: Neurological damage, cognitive deficits, kidney damage, and developmental effects in fetuses and young children
Environmental Impact:
- Bioaccumulation: Mercury accumulates in aquatic food chains, particularly in fish
- Ecosystem Damage: Affects wildlife, particularly birds and mammals that rely on aquatic diets
Regulations and Guidelines:
- International efforts: Minamata Convention on Mercury aimed at reducing mercury emissions and releases
- National guidelines: Various countries have established permissible exposure limits and waste disposal regulations
Safety Measures:
- Proper handling: Use gloves and goggles when working with mercury
- Spill response: Immediate cleanup using appropriate materials; avoid vacuuming or using brooms
- Disposal: Follow local regulations for hazardous waste disposal
Public Health Recommendations:
- Fish consumption advisories to limit exposure to methylmercury
- Awareness programs to educate on the risks and safe handling practices
Remediation Techniques:
- Phytoremediation: Use of plants to absorb and stabilize mercury in contaminated soils
- Chemical stabilization: Techniques to immobilize mercury in waste materials to reduce bioavailability

Chemical Properties

Mercury (Hg) has an atomic number of 80 and appears as a silvery liquid at room temperature.
It is classified as a heavy metal, known for its high density.

Sources of Mercury

Natural sources include volcanic eruptions, rock erosion, and emissions from oceans.
Human activities contributing to mercury release encompass gold mining, coal combustion, various industrial processes, and waste incineration.

Forms of Mercury

Elemental mercury exists in liquid form and is commonly used in thermometers and barometers.
Inorganic mercury is found in certain batteries, disinfectants, and skin-lightening products.
Organic mercury, particularly methylmercury, accumulates in fish through bioaccumulation.

Health Effects

Acute exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems.
Chronic exposure results in severe health risks, including neurological damage, cognitive deficits, kidney damage, and developmental issues in children and fetuses.

Environmental Impact

Mercury bioaccumulates in aquatic food chains, making its way into fish and impacting entire ecosystems.
Wildlife, especially birds and mammals dependent on aquatic diets, experience detrimental effects due to mercury exposure.

Regulations and Guidelines

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty aimed at minimizing mercury emissions and environmental releases.
Diverse countries have implemented regulatory frameworks that set permissible exposure limits and establish waste disposal protocols.

Safety Measures

When handling mercury, it is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to protect against exposure.
In case of a spill, immediate cleanup using suitable materials is essential; avoid vacuuming or sweeping the area.
Adhere to local regulations for the safe disposal of hazardous waste containing mercury.

Public Health Recommendations

Advisories are in place regarding fish consumption, aimed at minimizing exposure to methylmercury.
Awareness programs promote education on risks associated with mercury and guidelines for safe handling practices.

Remediation Techniques

Phytoremediation utilizes specific plants to absorb and stabilize mercury in contaminated soils, aiding cleanup efforts.
Chemical stabilization methods help immobilize mercury in waste materials, reducing its bioavailability and potential harm to the environment.