Mercury Response

Summary

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. Mercury exists in various forms but is typically found in its elemental form or as a mercury compound. Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the earth and it cannot be destroyed by humans.It is easily recognizable as a silver colored liquid metal that is used in many products such as thermometers, switches and light bulbs. The EPA states that mercury released in our environment comes from several sources: coal-burning power plants, burning hazardous waste, producing chlorine, breaking mercury products and spilling mercury. Although most human exposure to mercury is from eating fish and shellfish (where mercury is absorbed, changed to methylmercury and than eaten by humans) it is also common to be exposed to mercury and mercury vapors following a product release (i.e., broken thermometer). Mercury exposure at high levels can arm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages but is of particular concern to unborn babies and young children.

Many people and institutions are working at eliminating mercury from their homes, business and schools as there are viable replacements for most products. Since mercury is naturally occurring and not banned, it can be difficult to completely get rid of these materials. In Michigan it is illegal to have elemental mercury or a mercury-containing device (product) in a school building. According to the revised school act (Act 451 of 1976)... "school districts shall ensure that after December 31, 2004 they do not purchase, store, or use an instrument that contains mercury, including, but not limited to, a thermometer, barometer, or sphygmomanometer, or manometer containing mercury" As a reference, here are typical sources of mercury above and beyond elemental mercury often found in science laboratories, medical rooms/clinics and research institutions:

• Fluorescent lamps
• Mercury thermostats
• Mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, high-pressure vapor sodium lamps
• Mercury gauges
• "Silent" light switches
• Mercury float control switches (i.e., sump pumps)
• Flow meters with mercury switches
• Other equipment switches such as flames sensors, fire alarms and safety valves

Service Options

Elemental Mercury & Mercury Device Disposal

arch environmental group can package, transport and properly dispose of your elemental mercury or mercury containing device. All quantities of material are accepted and removal of these materials from your facilities is strongly recommended based on personal exposure concerns and expensive clean-up costs.

Mercury Release Response

Mercury releases are common in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and homes. Although these emergencies are alarming, arch environmental group's 24 hour emergency response team can assist in precautions, clean-up and disposal in order for you to re-occupy in a timely manner.

Mercury Contaminated Science/Research Sink Traps

Laboratories and research institutions are often found to have hazardous materials, including mercury, caught in sink traps. Special handling, clean-up and disposal issues must be taken when removing these items.

Mercury-Containing Flooring Removal

Older gymnasium floors originally marketed under t he brand names of "Tartan" or "Chemturf" have been found to contain low levels of mercury. Since most of these 25-35 year old gym floors are at the end of their life cycle it has become necessary to remove these floors utilizing engineering controls and HAZWOPER trained personnel. Sampling and specialized disposal are often needed as well.