I work at health department and was recycing those old mercury thermomters (a box full) i fell and smahed some and slipped when i was trying to get back up and my face landed in the puddle along with my coat and arms. I dont usually work in the chemical dept. and my partner isnt here today. I feel fine but is there a chance of illness. Please help thanks,
much love
Richard W
2006-08-24 07:28:55 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Just don't procreate anymore.
2006-08-24 07:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by MK6 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mercury poisoning, also known as mercuralism, is the phenomenon of toxication by contact with mercury.
The main dangers associated with elemental mercury are that at standard conditions for temperature and pressure, mercury tends to oxidize forming mercury(II) oxide, and that if dropped or disturbed, mercury will form microscopic drops, increasing its surface area dramatically.
Mercury is known to cause birth defects among herring living in Fremont glacier.
Air saturated with mercury vapor at room temperature is at a concentration many times the toxic level, despite the high boiling point (the danger is increased at higher temperatures).
Mercury is a bioaccumulative toxicant that is easily absorbed through the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues.
Mercury attacks the central nervous system and endocrine system and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. High exposure over long periods of time will result in brain damage and ultimately death. (The term "Mad as a hatter" is thought to relate to occupational insanity caused by exposure to mercury compounds in the manufacture of felt hats in the 19th century). Mercury also can have severe effects on fetuses and infants. Mothers who have taken in high levels of mercury have given birth to children with birth defects. Due to this risk, with the exception of some Influenza (flu) vaccines, none of the vaccines used in the U.S. to protect preschool children against 12 infectious diseases contain thimerosal as a preservative.[1
2006-08-24 14:41:04 · answer #2 · answered by th1gurl23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small amounts of mercury spillage can be cleaned up by addition of sulfur powder. The resulting mixture should be disposed of carefully.
But do notify your immediate supervisor of the accident. The amount of contact you had shouldn't be a problem.
2006-08-24 14:50:49 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This particular form of mercury is inert. You will experience no ill effects from your accident. I'm really quite surprised that you weren't cut by the shattered glass. That would really be unusual - are you telling the truth about your fall?
2006-08-24 14:40:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to shower!! Get the mercury off of you and your clothing. Get an MSDS sheet on mercury, and demand testing now and in a month for blood mercury levels.
2006-08-24 14:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to someone in charge and or contact a poison control center asap cuz mercury is poisonous and if u have a small cut even it can get into ur system and do some serious damage!
2006-08-24 14:34:42 · answer #6 · answered by allena s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And in the meantime wash all exposed areas thoroughly...like stand under a body-wash shower for exposures like this.
2006-08-24 14:36:23 · answer #7 · answered by Sue O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury can be poisonous. See your company nurse and whoever is in charge of your workers' comp. department immediately !!
2006-08-24 14:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by #1 Newman Fan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow thats jacked up. Call your supervisor. Better yet call your local poison control. They will tell you exactly what to do.
2006-08-24 14:35:18 · answer #9 · answered by nimopiba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your gonna die in 8 to 10 days
2006-08-24 16:17:26 · answer #10 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Serious? Go see a doctor. Get your blood tested. But, you are joking...right?
2006-08-24 14:35:03 · answer #11 · answered by 1K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋