2. Only metal which is liquid at NTP Called ‘Quick Silver’ because of its Silvery white appearance Heavy, odorless, lustrous, sinks in water Poor conductor of heat Fair conductor of electricity
3.
4. As it moves within the switch it makes or breaks electrical circuits For lighting, heating, cooling or pumping Mercury thermostats recognized and valued for their accuracy reliability and long life.
5. Used in medicines, ointment, light bulbs, fluorescents lights, batteries Out door and fever thermometers Toys, Pesticides, skin creams gas appliances, household cleaners , BP gauges, antibacterial soaps, High Intensity discharge lamp.
6. How Much Mercury? Barometers 500grams Thermostats 4.5grams Fever thermometers 1gram Small switches 4grams Large switches up to 40grams Compact lights 17.5 milligrams HID lamps 35milligrams Fluorescent bulbs 5milligrams/linear ft. Button cell batteries 9 milligrams Blood pressure 110 grams Monitors
7. mercury enters the environment when these products are broken or disposed
8. Mercury when exposed becomes airborne washes into lakes, streams and ground water when it rains
9. Bioaccumulation It gathers in the bodies of organisms to gradually accumulate . Instead of being broken down by an organisms systems it simply builds in concentrations
10. Mercury is toxic In human mercury affects the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver and causes impaired speech, vision, hearing and motor skills
20. Health care industry is a significant contributor to Mercury pollution. There are nearly 100 devices, instruments and chemicals used in health care settings that may contain Mercury.
