NYC-WTC_000199884

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

TSDR MERCURY CAS # 7439-97-6

Agency tor Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ToxTAQs Vpril 1999

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about mercury. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It’s important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to mercury occurs from breathing contaminated air, ingesting contaminated water and food, and having dental and medical treatments. Mercury, at high levels, may damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. This chemical has been found in at least 714 of 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

What is mercury? □ Methylmercury may be formed in water and soil by small organisms called bacteria. (Pronounced mfir'kyo-re) Mercury is a naturally occurring metal which has several □ Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish. Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury. forms. The metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid. If heated, it is a colorless, odorless gas. How might I be exposed to mercury? Mercury combines with other elements, such as chlorine, □ Eating fish or shellfish contaminated with methylmercury. sulfur, or oxygen, to form inorganic mercury compounds or □ Breathing vapors in air from spills, incinerators, and indus­ “salts,” which are usually white powders or crystals. Mercury tries that bum mercury-containing fuels. also combines with carbon to make organic mercury com­ □ ReleaseofmeicuryfromdenBl workandmedicaltreatmerts. pounds. The most common one, methylmercury, is produced □ Breathing contaminated workplace air or skin contact dur­ mainly by microscopic organisms in the water and soil. More ing use in the workplace (dental, health services, chemical, mercury in the environment can increase the amo unts of meth- and other industries that use mercury). ylmercury that these small organisms make. □ Practicing rituals that include mercury. Metallic mercury is used to produce chlorine gas and caustic soda, and is also used in thermometers, dental fillings, How can mercury affect my health? and batteries. Mercury salts are sometimes used in skin light­ The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mer­ ening creams and as antiseptic creams and ointments. cury. Methylmercury and metallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms, because more mercury in these forms What happens to mercury when it enters the reaches the brain. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inor­ environment? ganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, □ Inorganic mercury (metallic mercury and inorganic mer­ kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning cury compounds) enters the air from min ing ore deposits, may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or burning coal and waste, and from manufacturing plants. hearing, and memory problems. □ It enters the water or soil from natural deposits, disposal of wastes, and volcanic activity. Short-term exposure to high levels of metallic mercury vapors may cause effects including lung damage, nausea,

§ S 111 I’AUIMIM or III \l i II AM) IIIAIAA SI U\ f I S. I’ublit llvatdi S Ageiny tin Iniic Subslanccs and Diseasi Uegisli)

CITY_21MC100_008960118

NYC-WTC_000199885