United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response
(5204G)
EPA 540-K-97-004
OSWER 9378.0-10FS
PB97-963405
March 1997
&EPA
Mercury - Emergency Spill &
Release Facts
Introduction
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
prepared the following information for the benefit of
communities affected by mercury spills or releases. Teachers,
school administrators, parents, and other citizens will learn how
to protect themselves from the hazards of mercury. Included
are basic definitions, health concerns, routes of exposure,
procedures EPA uses in responding to mercury spills and
releases, and ways communities can avoid exposure to mercury
contamination.
What Is Mercury And How Is It Used?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that exists in a variety
of forms. It is found in soil, water, rocks, and living organisms,
and it can exist as a gas, a liquid, or a solid.
The most common form of mercury is metallic, also known as
quicksilver for its resemblance to liquid metal. At room
temperature it is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid that
gradually evaporates over time. This form of mercury occurs
naturally in small amounts in the environment.
For many years, mercury was a component in many common
household items, including thermometers, thermostats, light
switches, lamps, batteries, paints, and cosmetics. Although the
use of mercury has decreased in recent years, many older
household items contain mercury:
What Health Problems Are Associated With Exposure?
Mercury's most harmful threat to health is the breathing
of mercury vapor because the vapor could potentially
reach the brain. . ' ,
Mercury exposure can potentially affect the eyes, skin, central
nervous system, respiratory system, and kidneys. Brief contact
with high levels of mercury can immediately cause headaches,
loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in behavior or
personality. The effects of mercury exposure depend upon
several factors, primarily the quantity of mercury; "the length of
time a person is exposed; how mercury enters the body; and
how the body responds. Health effects are worsened by greater
lengths of .exposure to larger amounts of mercury.
The amount of mercury from a broken thermometer would be
considered a small spill. If more mercury than this is spilled, it
would be considered a large spill. Sampling in homes where
small spills have taken place has not shown large amounts of
mercury in the air. However, spills from breaking a blood
pressure device can produce airborne levels high enough to
cause serious poisoning.
How Are People Exposed To Mercury?
Exposure to mercury can occur by breathing vapors, touching
liquid mercury, or eating food or, drinking water contaminated
by mercury. The most serious threat comes from the vapors of
liquid mercury, which are readily absorbed by the lungs and
could potentially reach the brain. Mercury can also enter the
body through the skin.
Levels.of mercury can be measured in blood, urine, and scalp
hair. Although it can take months for mercury to be eliminated
from the system, tests may be helpful in predicting and treating
potential health effects.
How Does EPA Respond?
EPA responds to emergency spills and releases that threaten
public health and the environment. Examples of such scenarios
are: chemical fires or explosions; uncontrolled hazardous
substance . releases resulting from accidental spills;
contamination of a water supply; or substance releases from
abandoned industrial facilities.
The National Hazardous Substances and Oil Emergency
Response Program consists of a network of federal, state, and
local officials. It includes scientists, engineers, contractors, and
other emergency response personnel trained to protect public
health and the environment in a crisis situation. This team
performs a broad range of protective response measures on
emergencies ranging from large oil spills to.chemical accidents
in the home or school. The response process begins when a
spill is discovered or the National Response Center (NRC) is
-------
notified of a possible hazardous substance release. The NRC
then notifies a Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC), who
determines what level of response is necessary based on
conditions at the emergency site. The OSC calls on a network
of technical experts and coordinates closely with various state
and local agencies and organizations.
At times, an OSC may determine' that federal response
assistance is not required.- This can occur if the party
responsible for the release is performing the necessary cleanup,
or if the situation is being adequately addressed by state or local
response personnel. The OSC may assign responsibility to state
and local groups such as health and environmental officials,
poison control centers, substance and disease specialists, or
local fire departments.
\VhatTakesPIaceAtAMercurySpilISite?
Once EPA is contacted, the OSC and a team are sent to
investigate and remedy the situation. Activities may include
sealing off the spill site, blocking vapor release from ventilation
systems into other areas of a building, covering floor drains, and
heading off other potential threats of environmental release. The
public is not allowed back in a contaminated area until the OSC
determines that the contamination has been removed.
What Precautions Can People Take To Avoid Mercury
Contamination?
Here are some tips to avoid contamination in the event of a
small mercury spill:
• Contact your local .poison control center, fire
department, or public health board for advice on
cleanup
• Ask everyone to leave the area
• Open windows and doors in the area of the spill to
ventilate the area during cleanup; otherwise, seal off
the area as well as possible
^
• Do NOT use a vacuum cleaner to clean up a mercury
spill. A vacuum cleaner will spread the mercury
.vapors throughout the area, thereby increasing the
chance of exposure.
In the event of a large mercury spill (more than a broken
thermometer's worth), immediately evacuate everyone from the
area, seal off the area as well as possible, and call your local
authorities for assistance.
How Can People Help Prevent Mercury-Related
Contamination?
EPA encourages public participation in preventing
mercury-related emergencies. EPA conducts
informational workshops and seminars, prepares
written materials, and offers lectures and question and
answer sessions to keep the public informed about
protecting human health and the environment.'
What Other Information Is Available?
You can contact the following local authorities in your area:
• Poison Control Center
• Fire Department
• Public Health Department
Other Resources
• EPA Superfund Hotline: (800) 424-9346
• Superfund Home Page (www.epa.gov/superfund/)
THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR LOCAL CONTACT IHFORMATION
'Portions of the material in this fact sheet courtesy of the Illinois Department
of Public Health . • •
------- |