bmaxey1@juno.com
Date: 11/16/00-06:34:59 PM Z
>>How do those of you using mercury protect yourselves against mercury
poisoning?
First of all, wear protective gloves when handling it. I wore a
respirator when I was using the stuff. I found mercury intensifier to be
a favorite of mine, so I used compounds containing the element. Heating
mercury is a bad idea as well. Fumes are particularly dangerous. I also
used Cyanides for plating, but no longer. I refuse to expose myself to
potential problems, and as sure as I am writing this message, I know for
a fact that no matter how careful I might be, there is always a chance
for problems.
Remember that if you are using the pure metal and you should drop some,
it will split apart into thousands of little metal beads, and go all over
the place, thus creating contamination that you most likely will NEVER be
able to clean up, leaving mercury in places you do not want it. The small
balls will lodge everywhere and you can never be sure if you cleaned it
all up or not.
Think about this when deciding to use mercury. Consider that if you drop
a spoonful on your floor, that area is contaminated probably permanently.
Think about your work area - do you really want to have to declare an
area of your home off limits for the end of time; baring the fact that
for thousands of dollars you could have the local Haz-Mat team remove the
material.
Over cautious? You bet I am. Should you never experiment with mercury?
No, just be aware of all potential problems. Before we knew of the
dangers, hat manufacturers went insane from mercury poisioning. Mad as a
Hatter is a phrase that came from this.
Remember that mercury will absorb into your system and can cause serious
health issues. ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS even if you wear gloves when
handling the material. Only purchase what you need and do not stockpile
it. Lock it up and DO NOT allow children to get near it or use it.
Make sure you dispose of it properly, and NEVER in the trash. This goes
for containers that mixed it, the packaging the manufacturer packed it in
and any materials that came into contact with it. Remember that if you
are using mercury to create products you sell, you are most likely
required to obtain permits for disposal of contaminated materials. Check
the laws in your area. Mercury is a serious concern these days and
rightly so.
God help you if you take it internally by mistake. I am not sure what the
medical solution is, but it will decompose when in your system thereby
creating health problems you do not want.
Go to any of the Web Sites that allow you to download Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS). They will give you plenty of information about
specific problems with the material. They will talk about PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), dealing with poisoning, Safe, handling
precautions, etc.
Finally, if at all possible, do not use mercury. That is the best way to
protect yourself. I can understand why people want to create Dags with
it. However, is this pursuit really worth the potential problems? That's
for you to decide.
Bob
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