Mercury and compounds - 299 entries found

Your search criteria are

• Mercury and compounds

1988

CIS 88-1618 Mercury and its hazards
Quecksilber und seine Gefahren [in German]
Mercurio e i suoi pericoli [in Italian]
Les risques d'intoxication par le mercure [in French]
Contents of this illustrated booklet: history, natural deposits and extraction, physical and chemical properties, harmful effects of mercury, hazards of natural and industrial pollution, hazard evaluation (sampling and analysis, Swiss exposure limits), risk of mercury poisoning in industries and trades.
Cahiers suisses de la sécurité du travail, Feb. 1988, No.145. 45p. Illus. 37 ref.

1987

CIS 90-243 Benvenuti F., Palmi S.
Occupational exposure to mercury vapours in research laboratories
L'esposizione professionale ai vapori di mercurio nei laboratori scientifici [in Italian]
Metallic mercury is widely used in scientific research laboratories. An environmental study was made in 6 polarography laboratories, 2 gas chromatography laboratories and 1 chemical and physical analytical laboratory to assess the exposure of the staff to mercury vapours. The study comprised the measurement of mercury vapours in the air (environmental monitoring) and measurement of mercury concentrations in urine (biological monitoring). The results show that although the environmental values were well below the TLV, the biological values, which were also within a normal range, were clearly higher than those observed in a reference sample of subjects. This is one of those typical situations of prolonged exposure to low concentrations that are currently rather frequent in modern industrial environments. Such exposure conditions are of particular relevance in the case of neurotoxic agents, such as mercury; health surveillance is necessary to identify not only clinical but also subclinical symptoms and early impairment of specific organs.
Medicina del lavoro, Sep.-Oct. 1987, Vol.78, No.5, p.397-404. 14 ref.

CIS 89-1278 Roels H., Abdeladim S., Ceulemans E., Lauwerys R.
Relationships between the concentrations of mercury in air and in blood or urine in workers exposed to mercury vapour
During 5 successive days the TWA airborne concentration of mercury vapour (Hg-air) and the levels of mercury in blood (Hg-B) and in urine (Hg-U) were investigated in 10 workers in a dry alkaline battery plant. The individual external exposure measured with personal sampler ranged from 10 to 106µg Hg/m³ (overall mean 40µg/m³). On an individual basis, strong correlations were found between the daily intensity of exposure to mercury vapour and the levels of Hg-B (end of workshift) (r = 0.86; n = 40) or Hg-U (following morning) (r = 0.81; n = 34). These relationships indicate that the ratio Hg-air (µg/m³); Hg-B (µg/dL whole blood): Hg-U (µg/g creatinine) is 1:0.045:1.22. In view of the previous investigations on the nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity of long-term exposure to mercury vapour showing a biological TLV for Hg-U of 50µg/g creatinine, this ratio suggests that the corresponding threshold values for Hg-B and Hg-air amount to 1.8µg Hg/dL of whole blood and 40µg/m³ of air, respectively.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 1987, Vol.31, No.2, p.135-145. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 89-706 Regulation respecting mercury - made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act [Canada - Ontario]
The Regulation (effective 9 March 1982, modified by Ontario Regulation 23/87 of 21 Feb. 1987) prescribes mercury (Hg) as a designated substance. Exposure limits for airborne mercury: TWA exposure - 0.05mg Hg/m³ (alkyl mercury compounds: 0.01mg Hg/m³); maximum concentration: 0.15mg Hg/m³ (alkyl mercury compounds: 0.03mg Hg/m³). Responsibilities of employers, rights of workers, contents of a control programme and requirements for medical monitoring and recordkeeping are outlined. Also included in the publication: codes for respiratory equipment; determination of Hg in blood and urine, measuring airborne Hg and medical surveillance for Hg.
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Division, 400 University Ave., Toronto, Ont. M7A 1T7, Canada, 1987. 85p. Index.

CIS 89-959
Health and Safety Executive: Occupational Medicine and Hygiene Laboratory
Mercury vapour in air - A method using diffusive samplers, qualitative on-site colorimetric analysis and quantitative cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry in the laboratory
Contents of this guidance note: description of the method (diffusive sampling; qualitative estimate of the mercury concentration on-site - the mercury vapour reacts colorimetrically with the cuprous iodide paper in the sampler; quantitative analysis in the laboratory - treatment of the paper with warm and concentrated acid to dissolve the mercury and analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry). The method is suitable for sampling over periods in the range 2 to 8 hours, both for personal and area sampling. The concentration range for which it may be used, for 8h exposures, is 0.0025-0.1mg/m³. The precision of the laboratory determination is 11%. As an alternative, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry may be used for qualitative analysis.
Health and Safety Executive Information and Advisory Services, St Hugh's House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside L20 2QY, United Kingdom, July 1987. 7p. Illus. 9 ref. Price: GBP 1.00.

CIS 89-602 Skare I., Engqvist A.
Mercury in air - Part I. Evaluation of solid adsorbents for measurement of exposure to mercury vapour
Kvicksilver i luft - Del I. Utvärdering av fasta adsorbenter för expositionsmätning av kvicksilverånga [in Swedish]
Adsorbents for mercury were tested in an exposure chamber designed for this project. Recovery studies used UV spectrophotometry. The following adsorbents were found to be comparable for active sampling: Auer indicator tube for mercury (modified technique), SKC Hydrar adsorbent, Jerome gold dosimeter and Dräger tetrahydrothiophene tube. Less suitable as adsorbents were activated charcoal and manganese dioxide. The SKC passive Hydrar dosimeter for Hg sampling by diffusion was well suited for occupational exposure studies. Furthermore, the Dräger tetrathiophene tube was successfully used as a diffusion sampler for Hg vapour.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, Publikationsservice, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1986. 47p. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 89-569 Antonjuženko V.A., Gnesina E.A., Gnelickij G.I., Karačarova S.V., Kalistova V.V.
Some characteristics of current forms of occupational nervous system diseases of chemical aetiology
Osobennosti sovremennyh form professional'nyh zabolevanij nervnoj sistemy himičeskoj ėtiologii [in Russian]
Follow-up of 214 patients with the most commonly encountered types of poisoning (caused by ethylene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene, mercury and its compound granosanum-64) as well as with occupational pathology due to antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin). Neurological symptoms often develop in combination with symptoms of organic lesions of different parts of the brain. Ethylene, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene affect mainly the mesencephalon and caudal regions, whereas mercury affects the brain stem and cerebellum. Antibiotics produce circulatory disorders confirmed by visual disorders.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Feb. 1987, No.2, p.19-22. 9 ref.

CIS 88-908 Singer R., Valciukas J.A., Rosenman K.D.
Peripheral neurotoxicity in workers exposed to inorganic mercury compounds
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the median motor, median sensory, and sural nerves was assessed in 16 workers chronically exposed to inorganic mercury compounds. Exposed workers were compared with an unexposed control group. Slowing of the median motor nerve NCV was found, which was correlated with both increased levels of mercury in blood and urine, and with increased number of neurologic symptoms. Sensitive evaluation of neural function was practical and informative for investigating mercury toxicity. Such evaluation can help determine safe mercury levels at the workplace.
Archives of Environmental Health, July-Aug. 1987, Vol.42, No.4, p.181-184. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 88-916 González Fernández E.
Toxicokinetics and evaluation of health hazards due to exposure to metallic mercury
Toxicocinética y evaluación de riesgos para la salud producidos por la exposición a mercurio metálico/Toxicocinética y evaluación de riesgos para la salud producidos por la exposición a mercurio metálico [in Spanish]
Contents of the article: exposure to mercury in different work environments; toxicokinetics of different mercury compounds; biological half life of mercury in humans; evaluation of health hazards; toxicokinetic analysis of exposure (mercury in blood, urine, hair, saliva, nails and sweat); toxicodynamic analysis of exposure.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Jan.-Mar. 1987, Vol.34, No.134, p.30-41. 10 ref.

1986

CIS 92-958
Commission of the European Communities
Biological indicators for the assessment of human exposure to industrial chemicals: Alkyl lead compounds, dimethylformamide, mercury, organophosphorus pesticides
The available data on the human health effects, metabolism and biological indicators of these substances are reviewed. Conclusions reached: determination of the substance (or its metabolites) in urine may be used for assessment of occupational exposure to organic lead, dimethylformamide, mercury vapours and inorganic mercury compounds; the measurement of mercury in blood may be used for evaluating exposure to organic mercury compounds; for organophosphorus pesticides, urinary excretion of metabolites is the best indicator of internal dose, while measurement of blood cholinesterase is the most important indicator of exposure.
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2985 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 1986. 77p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 91-926
Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP)
Review of potentially harmful substances - Arsenic, mercury and selenium
Review of the human health aspects of marine pollution by arsenic, mercury and selenium. Inadequate data on the toxicology of the organic arsenic compounds found in seafood do not allow a reasonably accurate assessment of the possible health risks to man following long-term high intake. Seafood may occasionally contribute considerably to the daily intake of the more toxic inorganic arsenic. Seafood is the main source of methylmercury intake by man and groups with a high fish intake can easily exceed the WHO Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake level. Marine food products contain substantial amounts of selenium, but even a high daily consumption is unlikely to cause undesirable exposure levels.
World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1986. 172p. Illus. Bibl.

CIS 89-1913 Gerosa A., Violante F.S., Trevisan A.
Renal effects of mercury exposure in a thermometer factory
Effetti renali dell'esposizione a mercurio in una industria di termometri [in Italian]
Kidney function (glomerular and tubular) was investigated in 36 workers employed in a mercury thermometer factory. Tubular function was normal compared with a control group; the only significant variation was a moderate alteration of glomerular function demonstrated by an increase in urinary excretion of albumin (p<0.05) with normal proteinuria. Other high molecular weight proteins, such as G immunoglobulins, were not detectable. Thus, even in exposures which can cause urinary mercury excretion levels exceeding the group biological TLV (50µg/g creatinine), the alterations in renal function are slight.
Medicina del lavoro, Nov.-Dec. 1986. Vol.77, No.6, p.635-638. 11 ref.

CIS 89-1471 Mercuric oxide (red)
Chemical safety information sheet. Exposure limit (ACGIH) TLV = 0.1mg Hg/m³. Toxicity: systemic poison; affects the central nervous system; dermatitis.
Indian Chemical Manufacturing Association, India Exchange, India Exchange Place, Calcutta 700 001, India, 1986. 1p.

CIS 87-1403 Guideline for medical monitoring of workers exposed to mercury (other than alkyl)
This guideline for the prevention of adverse effects includes entry, metabolism and excretion, health effects and preventive measures (reduction of exposure, contents of medical monitoring and interpretation of results).
Alberta Community and Occupational Health, Medical Services Branch, 10709 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3N3, Canada, Apr. 1986. 7p. 3 ref.

CIS 87-1402 Guideline for medical monitoring of workers exposed to alkyl mercury compounds
This guideline covers: uses of the compounds; entry, metabolism and excretion; health effects; preventive measures; medical monitoring; interpretation of results of blood monitoring.
Alberta Community and Occupational Health, Medical Services Branch, 10709 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3N3, Canada, Apr. 1986. 6p. 2 ref.

CIS 87-573 Rosenman K.D., Valciukas J.A., Glickman I., Meyers B.R., Cinotti A.
Sensitive indicators of inorganic mercury toxicity
Forty-two workers from a chemical plant were evaluated for neurologic, nephrotic and ophthalmologic toxicity. Blood and urinary mercury levels were evaluated, but routine clinical testing such as physical examination, blood chemistries and urinalysis were generally normal. These findings are in contrast to the complaints of neuropsychological symptoms, elevated urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase levels, decreased motor nerve conduction velocities, and the presence of lenticular opacities.
Archives of Environmental Health, July-Aug. 1986, Vol.41, No.4, p.208-215. 35 ref.

CIS 87-102 Mercury
Chemical identity; potential exposure; exposure limits; properties; health effects; industrial hygiene practices and control; personal protective equipment; fire, explosions, dangerous combinations; storage, spillage, disposal, transport.
Industrial Accident Prevention Association, 2 Bloor St. West, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3N8, Canada, Aug. 1986. 2p.

CIS 86-1860 Griffin R.M.
Biological monitoring for heavy metals: Practical concerns
Some of the practical concerns associated with performing routine analyses of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in various biological matrices are the selection of the biological matrix for monitoring, the sample collection, sample storage and shipment, and sample preparation and analysis. Other factors that affect the quality of the analytical values include contamination of sampling materials, blood drawing procedures, methods of obtaining urine samples, sample homogeneity, instrument calibration and performance, and laboratory quality control programmes. A total system quality control approach is necessary to obtain accurate analyses of metals in biological samples, just as it is in all analytical situations.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1986, Vol.28, No.8, p.615-618. 2 ref.

CIS 86-1859 Bloch P., Shapiro I.M.
An x-ray fluorescence technique to measure in situ the heavy metal burdens of persons exposed to these elements in the workplace
The use of an x-ray fluorescence technique (XRF) enables measurement of the long-term retention of various heavy metals in select tissues in vivo. XRF was used to measure the mercury content of head and bone tissue in 298 dentists with long-term exposure to mercury-containing amalgams. It was also used to evaluate the lead burden of persons suspected of having elevated lead exposure at the workplace, and to assay the lead levels in urban and rural children. These studies indicated that the x-ray fluorescence method of assaying heavy metals in vivo is noninvasive, safe, rapid, and sensitive to levels of many heavy metals that accumulate in human tissues.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1986, Vol.28, No.8, p.609-614. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 86-1628 Verberk M.M., Sallé H.J.A., Kemper C.H.
Tremor in workers with low exposure to metallic mercury
In a fluorescent lamp production factory, a newly developed lightweight balance-tremormeter was used to measure postural tremor of the finger in 21 workers (ages 28 to 61) exposed for 0.5-19 yr to metallic mercury. In addition, tremor was measured in an indirect way by means of a "hole-tremormeter". The excretion of mercury in urine was 9-53 (average 20) µmol/mol creatinine. With increasing mercury excretion, the following parameters increased: the acceleration of the tremor, the contribution of the neuromuscular component (8-12Hz) to the power spectrum of the acceleration, the width of the power-spectrum and the score on the hole-tremormeter. The study indicates that exposure to metallic mercury below the current TLV (50µg/m³) may increase the tremor of the finger.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Sep. 1986, Vol.47, No.9, p.559-562. Illus. 12 ref.

1985

CIS 87-101 Mercuric oxide
Chemical identity; exposure limits; physicochemical data; fire and explosion data; reactivity data; health hazard data; use information; precautions for safe handling and use.
In: EPA Chemical Profiles, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 20460, USA, Dec. 1985. 3p.

CIS 86-2008 Methoxyethylmercuric acetate
Aspects covered in this data sheet: chemical identity; exposure limits; physicochemical properties; fire and explosion hazards; reactivity; health hazards; uses; handling of spills or releases.
In: EPA Chemical Profiles, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 20460, USA, Dec. 1985. 4p.

CIS 86-1038 Egojan V.V., Pagutjan A.K.
Replacement of metallic mercury in fluorescent lamp production
Ob isključenii metalličeskoj rtuti iz proizvodstva ljuminescentnyh lamp [in Russian]
It is proposed to eliminate metallic (liquid) mercury from fluorescent lamp factories by introducing ampoules of titanium mercuride that can be mounted on the electrode assembly at one end of the fluorescent tube. After evacuation and sealing of the tube, the ampoule can be heated by applying a 1A current to the electrode for 30s. This will liberate mercury from the ampoule. Gradual loss of mercury during operation of the lamp by sorption to the luminophore and glass inside the tube will be compensated by further evaporation of mercury from the ampoule.
Svetotehnika, 1985, No.4, p.7-8. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 86-700 Göthe C.J., Langworth S., Carleson R., Tufvesson B.
Biological monitoring of exposure to metallic mercury
The concentration of mercury was analysed in 418 paired blood and urine samples from 185 workers at 3 chlorine-alkali plants. There is a much larger variability of the mercury levels in urine than in blood. In >90% of paired samples, the mercury concentration was higher in urine than in blood. The ratio between the mercury concentrations in blood and urine tends to increase with ages indicating a weak tendency to age-correlated reduction of renal mercury excretion. As an indicator of exposure to mercury vapour, the mercury content of blood is preferable to that of urine. Active control measures are recommended when the mercury content of blood exceeds 150mol/L. When the blood level exceeds 300nmol/L occupational mercury exposure ought to be stopped until the level has decreased to below 100nmol/L.
Clinical Toxicology, 1985, Vol.23, No.4-6. p.381-389. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 86-388 Skerfving S., Berlin M.
Nordic expert group for documentation of exposure limits - 59. Inorganic mercury
Nordiska expertgruppen för gränsvärdesdokumentation - 59. Oorganiskt kvicksilver [in Swedish]
In the Nordic countries, occupational exposure to inorganic mercury (Hg) occurs mainly in the chlorine industry and in dental offices. Exposure to elemental Hg vapour can be monitored by air analyses, and blood and urine levels can be used as biological indices of exposure. Elemental Hg vapour may affect both the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. CNS effects, which are at least partially reversible after exposure ends, appear to be more important than PNS effects. Kidney damage may also occur. Mercuric Hg may cause kidney damage but does not have any effect on the CNS. Although in exposure to elemental Hg vapour (but not mercuric Hg), Hg passes the placenta, to the foetus, especially the foetal CNS, this potential risk has not been verified. Inorganic Hg may cause immunologic reactions, so it is a potential cause of allergic contact dermatitis and the glomerular kidney damage mentioned above. Investigations of mutagenicity do not suggest any carcinogenic properties.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, Publikationsservice, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1985. 80p. Illus. 287 ref.

CIS 85-1677 Mazeyrat A.
On mercury. Focus on present-day knowledge of metallic mercury
A propos du mercure. Mise au point sur les connaissances actuelles en matière de mercure métallique [in French]
Medical thesis covering: properties and industrial uses of mercury; toxicokinetics; physiopathology; better medical surveillance of exposed workers by an analysis of the relation between chronic effects of mercury and various biological parameters; study of occupational exposure to mercury in an electrolysis plant. The difficulty of finding an enzyme characteristic of mercury exposure in the urine, by taking as an example gamma-glutaryl (sic) transpeptidase, is illustrated.
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Faculté de médecine Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France, 1985. 143p. Illus. 135 ref.

CIS 85-1671 Yoshida M.
Relation of mercury exposure to elemental mercury levels in the urine and blood
The levels of elemental and inorganic mercury were measured in urine and blood samples from workers in thermometer manufacturing factories. A significant correlation was observed between elemental mercury levels in urine and individual exposure levels; this was not the case for inorganic mercury. A correlation between urine and blood elemental mercury levels was also observed. The determination of elemental mercury in urine may serve as a useful indicator of recent exposure to mercury vapour.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 1985, Vol.11, No.1, p.33-37. 17 ref.

1984

CIS 86-1121 Kanamaru M., Suzuki H., Katoh M., Nishikawa T., Ohyama Y., Noda H.
Effects of agricultural chemicals on rural inhabitants in Miye prefecture - A report on the findings of health examinations
From 1980 to 1982, health examinations were conducted on 1,164 pesticide sprayers in Miye Prefecture, Japan. Most of the pesticides in use were organophosphorus. Mercury residues in hair were also measured. The rate of detection of abnormalities was not particularly high in comparison with that in health check-ups of ordinary persons. In comparison with previous findings, the cases of abnormal lipid metabolism and anaemia were fewer, whereas the number of cases of abnormal cholinesterase activities and albuminuria increased in both sexes. The average level of mercury in hair was 5.35ppm in men and 2.97ppm in women, and >6.0ppm of mercury was detected in 23.1% of the men and 1.9% of the women.
Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine, July 1984, Vol.33, No.2, p.159-166. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 86-728 Čábelková Z., Menčík M., Cikrt M., Lukáš E., Urban P., Musil J., Krombholzová L., Mádlo Z., Svobodová M., Roth Z.
Mobilisation of mercury from the body by sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate in mercury-exposed persons
Mobilizace rtuti z organizmu 2,3-dimerkaptopropan-1-sulfonátem sodným u pracovníků exponovaných rtuti [in Czech]
Unitiol (sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate) (UNI) is a Soviet preparation used in the USSR and in Bulgaria for the treatment of mercury intoxication. Its effect was tested in 14 occupationally exposed workers and in 10 controls. Intramuscular injection of 5mL UNI solution increased mercury concentration 200-fold in the urine of the exposed subjects. In controls, too, UNI increased urinary mercury concentrations 20-fold over initial values. Determination of akaline and acid phosphatases and gamma-glutamyltransferase in urine indicated no serious kidney damage before or after UNI administration. UNI administration is recommended for the detection of mercury depots in exposed persons who have consistently low urinary mercury concentrations.
Pracovní lékařství, May 1984, Vol.36, No.5, p.158-162. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 86-182 Triebig G., Grobe T., Saure E., Schaller K.H., Weltle D., Valentin H.
Investigations on neurotoxicity of chemical substances at the workplace - VI. Longitudinal study in persons occupationally exposed to mercury
Untersuchungen zur Neurotoxizität von Arbeitsstoffen - VI. Längsschnittstudie bei berufliche Quecksilber-belasteten Personen [in German]
The study was performed on 11 persons with chronic exposure to mercury (Hg) (3 to 31 years, median 5 years) in a chemical plant (elemental Hg, inorganic and organic mercury compounds). The determination of the peripheral nerve conduction velocities of motor and sensory fibres as well as the registration of somatosensory-evoked potentials revealed no pathological results. The values did not significantly differ from those of unexposed persons. No correlations were found between indicators of Hg-exposure and neurophysiological parameters, showing the absence of a dose-effect relationship. Considering the inter- and intraindividual variations of the psychological test results, there were no substantial alterations in the total findings. Workers with Hg-exposure below the current BAT-values (Hg in blood 50µg/L, Hg in urine 200µg/L) showed no pathological findings in the neurological, neurophysiological and neuropsychological examinations.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1984, Vol.55, No.1, p.19-31. 34 ref.

CIS 85-1051 Fernández Granda A., Sangro Gómez-Acebo B., Gómez Uroz G.
Mercury poisoning
Hidrargirismo [in Spanish]
A survey of the health aspects of mercury exposure, covering: physical and chemical properties of mercury; industrial and professional use; determination methods; metabolism and biological effects; symptoms of acute and chronic poisoning; technical prevention and TLVs; medical prevention; treatment.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Apr.-June 1984, Vol.31, No.122, p.67-74.

CIS 85-139 Piikivi L., Hänninen H., Martelin T., Mantere P.
Psychological performance and long-term exposure to mercury vapors
The psychological test performances of a group of 36 male chlorine-alkali workers were compared with the level of exposure to mercury (Hg) and to the results obtained from a referent group. Hg exposure had lasted for ≥10 years and had been monitored by regular health examinations and urine analyses. The more heavily exposed workers performed more poorly on the verbal intelligence test than the referents. Impairments in the memory tests showed a statistically significant correlation with the actual exposure level, especially with the concentration of Hg in blood. The level of Hg in the air was calculated from the dose indicators. The results support the recommended exposure limit of 25µg/m³ for Hg vapour in workplace air.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 1984, Vol.10, No.1, p.35-41. 19 ref.

CIS 84-1466 Mabille V., Roels H., Jacquet P., Léonard A., Lauwerys R.
Cytogenetic examination of leucocytes of workers exposed to mercury vapour
22 workers at chloralkali plant and at a plant where mercury is amalgamated with zinc were studied together with 25 controls. Average level of mercury in the urine of exposed workers was 117µg/g creatinine, in blood 3.1µg/100ml. There was no increase in the number of structural aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The results of cytogenetic studies (sister chromatid exchanges, chromosomal aberrations) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes are not good biological indicators of mercury exposure.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1984, Vol.53, No.3, p.257-260. 14 ref.

1983

CIS 84-1981 Smith P.J., Langolf G.D., Goldberg J.
Effects of occupational exposure to elemental mercury on short term memory
Results of memory function tests with 2 groups of mercury-exposed workers. Group 1 consisted of 26 subjects with average urinary mercury levels of 0.20mg/l. Group 2 consisted of 60 workers, with an average of 0.11mg/l. Using the Wechsler test of short-term memory capacity, no relation was found between mercury exposure levels and memory capacity. But using the more reliable STM (short-term memory) span test, such a relation was found, with significant decreases of memory capacity with increasing levels of urinary mercury.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1983, Vol.40, No.4, p.413-419. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 84-1324
Health and Safety Executive
Mercury vapour in air - Laboratory method using hopcalite adsorbent tubes, and acid dissolution with cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometric analysis
Contents of this guidance note: Description of method (sampling through a hopcalite tube, transfer of the hopcalite and trapped mercury to a covered beaker and dissolution in acid; analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry). 100% sampling efficiency can be achieved. Scope: suitable for measurement over periods in the range of 15min to 8h, both for personal and area sampling. The lower analytical limit is 0.005mg/m³ for air samples of 30 and 50l. The precision of the method is 6.2%, determined for 30min samples in the 0.03-0.4mg Hg/m@3h range. No inorganic interferences are expected at the determination wavelength of 253.7nm, and interference due to organic compounds can be corrected for.
Health and Safety Executive Sales Point, St. Hugh's House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside L20 3QY, United Kingdom, Mar. 1983. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. Price: £0.50.

CIS 84-1373 Aitio A., Valkonen S., Kivistö H., Yrjänheikki E.
Effect of occupational mercury exposure on plasma lysosomal hydrolases
β-Galactosidase, β-glucuronidase and β-N-acetylglucosamidase were studied in 20 workers at a chlorine alkali plant and 10 non-exposed controls. Average levels of the latter 2 enzymes were higher, but not significantly so, in the exposed workers. There were no correlations between enzyme activities and long-term mercury exposure. Measurement of plasma lysosomal hydrolase activities is not of great value in the biological monitoring of workers exposed to low concentrations of metallic mercury vapour. Urinary mercury excretion showed a clear diurnal variation.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dec. 1983, Vol.53, No.2, p.139-147. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 84-1083 Deacon S.P., Elliott F.M.
Medical supervision of workers during demolition of mercury cell rooms
22 demolition workers were monitored for one year by weekly measurement of urinary mercury levels. During demolition of mercury-contaminated plant there was a gradual increase in mean Hg excretion to a peak of approx. 150µg/g creatinine. Levels exceeded 300µg/g creatinine in 3 workers. 95% of the results were <100µg/g in dismantlers and delaggers. Careful medical and management supervision permits safe demolition of mercury cell rooms.
Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine, 3 July 1983, Vol.33, No.3, p.148-151. Illus. 3 ref.

CIS 84-1081 Duffield D.P., Paddle G.M., Woolhead G.
A mortality study of non-malignant genitourinary tract diseases in electrolytic mercury cell room employees
466 death certificates for the period 1945-60 and 139 for 1972-79 were studied. In the first period there was an excess of genito-urinary tract disease in mercury-exposed workers; in the second period no excess of deaths from renal disease due to mercury was revealed.
Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine, 3 July 1983, Vol.33, No.3, p.137-140. 6 ref.

CIS 84-437 Diggs T.H., Ledbetter J.O.
Palladium chloride enhancement of low-level mercury analysis
Airborne mercury is sampled using paper filters impregnated with a 0.45% PdCl₂ solution (weight/volume). The collected mercury is removed with a 2% hydrogen peroxide /2% HNO₃ solution. An aliquot of the solution is analysed in a graphite furnace by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The stabilising effect of PdCl₂ permits the analysis of air samples with less than 0.02µg/m³ of mercury. The technique can also be used for measuring mercury in water.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Aug. 1983, Vol.44, No.8, p.606-608. 6 ref.

CIS 84-467 Piechotta W., Witting U., Miebs T., Witting C., Krieg V., Kollmeier H., Seemann J., Wittig P.
Carcinogenic, mutagenic and immunological effects of heavy metals
Cancerogene, mutagene und immunsystem-bezogene Wirkungen von Schwermetallen [in German]
The 1st of these 3 reports summarises present knowledge of the harmful effects of lead, cadmium and mercury and reviews the relevant literature: animal experiments, epidemiological studies, in-vitro studies, occupational exposure, defenses against infection, humoral and cellular immunity. Results are summarised in tables. The 2nd report analyses the literature on malignant tumours of occupational origin. Results are tabulated according to the organs and tissues affected: blood and lymphatic tissue, respiratory tract, mesothelioma, digestive system, liver and pancreas, urogenital system, brain, skeleton, skin; occupations and harmful substances are also identified. The 3rd report is a review of various methods of sampling and sample preparation in order to complex and extract heavy metals for flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metals concerned are: cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc in human pulmonary, hepatic, splenic and renal tissue. Preferred methods are presented.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Unfallforschung, Postfach 170202, 4600 Dortmund 17, Federal Republic of Germany, 1983. Vol.1: 264p. 300 ref. Price: DM.34.00. Vol.2: 347p. 535 ref. Price: DM.42.00. Vol.3: 93p. 172 ref. Price: DM.20.35.

CIS 84-466 Selypes A., Nagymajtényi L., Berencsi G.
Investigation of the mutagenic and embryotoxic effects on mice of exposure to mercury fumes
Az aerogén higany expozíció mutagén és fötotoxikus hatásának vizsgálata egéren [in Hungarian]
Foetuses in pregnant mice exposed to mercuric chloride fumes at 10 and 100 times the TLV of 0.02mg/m³ showed significant disorders. Following exposure to 100 times the TLV, 32% of the foetuses died (4%). Of those that survived, 100% were seriously weight-retarded (1%), 68% showed serious retardation in bone-growth (4%), and 38% showed liver cell chromosome aberrations (3%); (numbers in parentheses refer to controls). Exposure at 10 times the TLV showed a reduced, but still significantly high, number of differences from controls. Exposure at the TLV level seems to have resulted in a higher number of liver-cell chromosome aberrations than in the controls, though within statistical significance limits.
Munkavédelem, munka- és üzemegészségügy, 1983, Vol.29, No.7-9, p.152-154. 10 ref.

CIS 84-397 Einarsson Ö., Lindstedt G., Bergström T.
A computerised automatic apparatus for determination of mercury in biological samples
En datorstyrd analysautomat för bestämning av kvicksilver i biologiska prover [in Swedish]
The title apparatus combines a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a desk-top computer. The valves, pumps, sample changer, etc., involved in sample treatment and analysis are controlled by the computer, which permits the analytical protocol to be changed by modifying the programme of the computer. Mercury in the samples is liberated by reduction with divalent tin. The detection limit of the method is 0.2-0.3ng mercury per sample, with a coefficient of variation of 1.2% for aqueous solutions and 3.3% for blood samples. A sample can be analysed in 2.5-3min. Different methods of converting spectrophotometer output to mercury concentration, variation in results among different samples of blood and urine, and results of determinations in 3 laboratories over the course of a year are discussed.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1983. 34p. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 84-133 Saltzman B.E., Yeager D.W., Meiners B.G.
Reproducibility and quality control in the analysis of biological samples for lead and mercury
A simple statistical calculation was applied to 8 years of data on routine control sample and duplicate analyses (lead in blood and mercury in urine) from a laboratory quality control programme. This provided standard deviations truly representative of the laboratory and accurate information on how they varied with concentrations. The detection limits of the analytical methods, upper warning limits and upper control limits for differences between duplicate analysis could then be calculated and used conveniently for quality control.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Apr. 1983, Vol.44, No.4, p.263-267. 14 ref.

CIS 84-177 McCarthy J.
Exposure to mercury vapour
100 workers exposed to metallic mercury vapour in mercury cell rooms and 100 control workers were studied. Hazards of inorganic mercury are set out, and the health screening programme of the plant under study is outlined. None of the study subjects complained of urinary symptoms. There was no evidence to show that the incidence of renal dysfunction was greater in the mercury exposed population than in the control group. A further aim of the study was to assess the occupational health nurse's contribution to a research team: company policy encourages nurses to qualify themselves for such tasks.
Occupational Health, June 1983, Vol.35, No.6, p.256-262. Illus. 3 ref.

CIS 83-1919 Determination of mercury vapour in air
Bestämning av kvicksilverånga i luft [in Swedish]
Description of 2 methods of sampling and determination: (1) sampling with manganese dioxide-filled tubes followed by desorption and determination by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; (2) sampling by passage of air through an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate and hydrochloric acid, followed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Examples are given and calculated.
Arbetarskyddsstyrelsen, GRUS, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1983. 14p. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 83-1910 Huberlant J.M., Roels H., Buchet J.P., Bernard A., Lauwerys R.
Evaluation of mercury exposure and its health consequences for personnel in 31 dental offices
Evaluation de l'exposition au mercure et de ses répercussions éventuelles sur la santé du personnel d'une trentaine de cabinets dentaires [in French]
Summary of literature data on the extent of mercury contamination of dental offices, exposure factors (exposure to mercury vapours as a result of repeated use of amalgam) and preventive measures. The study covers 31 offices in Belgium and shows that the exposure levels are below the present permissible concentration of 50µg/m³. This exposure entails no renal or neurological effects in the persons exposed.
Cahiers de médecine du travail - Cahiers voor arbeidsgeneeskunde, 1983, Vol.22, No.2, p.109-127. Illus. 44 ref.

CIS 83-885 Decree No.83-71 of 2 Feb. 1983 to amend and complement the occupational disease schedules attached to Decree No.46-2959 of 31 Dec. 1946
Décret n°83-71 du 2 février 1983 révisant et complétant les tableaux de maladies professionnelles annexés au décret n°46-2959 du 31 déc. 1946 [in French]
Two new schedules have been added: No.72 relates to diseases caused by exposure to nitrate derivatives of glycol and glycerol; No.73 to occupational diseases caused by antimony and its compounds. Modifications were made to: schedule No.2 (mercury and compounds); No.31 (aminoglycosides); No.32 (fluorine, hydrogen fluoride and its mineral salts); No.33 (beryllium and compounds); No.52 (diseases due to vinyl chloride polymerisation processes); No.62 (organic isocyanates); No.65 (eczematous lesions with an allergic mechanism of action).
Journal officiel de la République française, 6 Feb. 1983, p.495-499.

1982

CIS 89-1134
USSR Commission for UNEP
Mercury
Chemical safety information sheet. Exposure limit (USSR): MAC = 0.01mg/m³; TWA concentration over one shift = 0.005mg/m³. Toxicity: neurotoxic effects; teratogenic effects.
Centre for International Projects, GKNT, Moskva, USSR, 1982. 14p. 42 ref.

CIS 84-486 Francis P.C., Birge W.J., Roberts B.L., Black J.A.
Mercury content of human hair: A survey of dental personnel
Hair mercury (Hg) levels were determined with >90% recovery in a group of 10 dentists and a control group of 37 persons. Hg levels in both groups averaged <1.0µg/g, and the maximum concentration found was 3.0µg/g. There was no significant difference in hair Hg content between the 2 groups. A significant negative correlation was found between hair Hg concentration and the age of the donor.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Oct.-Nov. 1982, Vol.10, Nos.4-5, p.667-672. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 84-211 Yoshida M., Yamamura Y.
Elemental mercury in urine from workers exposed to mercury vapor
In a thermometer manufacturing factory in which the mercury level in the ambient air averaged >0.1mg/m³, the elemental mercury (Hg°) concentration in 32 workers' urine was 0.05-1.7µg/l and constituted less than 1% of the inorganic mercury in the urine. Higher levels of Hg° were present on days when thermometers were filled with metallic mercury and on the following day (exposure 0.47-0.67mg/m³). Hg° appears very rapidly in the urine when workers are temporarily exposed to high levels of mercury vapour.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dec. 1982, Vol.51, No.2, p.99-104. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 83-2006 Kostenko I.V., Dubinskaja N.A.
Mercury levels in the hair of stomatologists as an indicator of occupational exposure
Uroven' soderžanija rtuti v volosah vračej-stomatologov kak odin iz pokazatelej ee professional'nogo vozdejstvija [in Russian]
neutron activation analysis was used to determine the mercury content of hair samples from stomatologists working with amalgam. Although airborne concentrations of mercury are low in the stomatologists' workplaces, their hair contained higher levels of mercury than the hair of controls. Symptoms of mercury poisoning increased in frequency with length of service, but were not always correlated with mercury concentrations in hair. Mercury was detectable in the hair of stomatologists who had ceased working with mercury 6 years before samples were taken; this indicates that neutron activation analysis is a useful technique in retrospective studies of mercury exposure.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Mar. 1982, No.3, p.44-45. 3 ref.

< previous | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | next >