DOCSLIB.ORG

Military 501 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Military 501 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: MILITARY 501 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ MERCURY USE: MILITARY Table of Contents Keeping Mercury out of Wastewater .... 501 Mercury can potentially be used or released in a military setting in four About This Handout ............................ 502 different areas: Why Should I Be Concerned About Mercury? .............................................. 503 1 A component in equipment (e.g, thermometers, pressure sensing 1 A Component in Equipment ............. 505 devices, navigational equipment, seals, valves, or specialty products Mercury Product Focus: Batteries ..... 505 such as infrared sensors, semiconductors, security sensors ) Mercury Product Focus: Detergents & Cleaners ............................................... 507 2 An ingredient in chemicals or laboratory chemicals (e.g., Mercury Product Focus: Gauges - phenylmercuric acetate) Manometers, Barometers, and Vacuum Gauges ................................................. 508 3 A contaminant in raw materials (eg., manufacturing plants that use Mercury Product Focus: Lamps ........ 508 caustic soda) Mercury Product Focus: Semiconductors or Infrared Sensors ............................. 510 4 An incidental release due to a production process (eg., facilities that Mercury Product Focus: Switches and have on-site boilers) Relays ................................................... 510 Mercury Switches in Electrical Applications ......................................... 512 Mercury Product Focus: Thermo-Electric Devices ................................................. 513 Mercury Product Focus: Thermometers ...................................... 513 Mercury Product Focus: Thermostat ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ Probes .................................................. 514 Other Military Products That May Contain Keeping Mercury Out of Wastewater Mercury ................................................ 514 There are a number of ways atmosphere. This mercury may then 2 Mercury as An Ingredient in Chemicals mercury can enter the wastewater be deposited into lakes and streams, or Laboratory Chemicals .................... 515 stream of a military facility. When a methylated, and ingested by fish, Mercury-Containing Chemicals and mercury-containing product such as eventually reaching wildlife and Alternatives .......................................... 515 a thermometer is broken over a sink humans. Work by the MPCA .............................. 515 or improperly cleaned up after a Work by The Massachusetts Water spill, the mercury could get flushed To prevent such occurrences, it is Resources Authority ............................. 516 down the drain. Mercury may also important to have effective spill 3 A Contaminant in Raw Materials .... 518 be present in a military facility’s response measures. Instruments Caustic Soda ........................................ 518 sewer pipes and traps from historical containing mercury should be labeled Case Study: Potlatch Corporation ...... 519 use of mercury. and proper procedures should be 4 Mercury as a By-product of a followed when cleaning or refilling Manufacturing Process ....................... 521 Once mercury enters a wastewater instruments that contain mercury. Mercury Spills ...................................... 522 treatment plant, most of it Instrument cleaning or refilling concentrates in wastewater biosolids should take place in a well ventilated Action Steps for Military Facilities to Consider ............................................... 523 during treatment. Since most area, and, if possible, over a tray to treatment plants dispose of contain any spills. Sample Proclamation .......................... 527 generated solids by land spreading, Bibliography ........................................ 529 mercury enters the terrestrial environment by this process. Some of this mercury spread on land may, over time, be volatilized to the 502 DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: MILITARY ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ ABOUT THIS HANDOUT This is one chapter of the “Wisconsin Mercury SourceBook.” The Sourcebook was written as a guide for communities to help identify and reduce the purposeful use of mercury. The SourceBook contains background information on mercury contamination and provides a seven-step outline for drafting a mercury reduction plan. This handout is one of the nineteen sectors that were highlighted in the SourceBook as a potential contributor of mercury in any given community. What you will find in this handout: « Information on mercury-containing products and that are unique to the military « Information on mercury-containing products that are found both in military settings and in a wide variety of other sectors (e.g., fluorescent lamps, switches) « Action ideas that describe pollution prevention, recycling, and management practices for a mercury reduction plan for a military facility. This provides a good overview of the types of mercury- containing products and alternatives that may exist for a miliary facility. « A sample proclamation that explains the mercury issue and possible mercury minimization options for a military facility « Current mercury projects in this sector For more information, please contact: DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: MILITARY 503 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MERCURY? HEALTH EFFECTS OF ELEMENTAL MERCURY Some of you may remember playing with mercury when you were a The toxicity of mercury has long child. Its silvery white shimmer was entrancing, and the ability of its been known to humans. Hat glistening mass to split and come back together again was magical. makers during the 19th century But scientists are now beginning to realize that there is another side developed symptoms of shaking to mercury’s wily nature. In fact, it is some of mercury’s most and slurring of speech from elemental qualities that make it a difficult substance to handle. exposure to large amounts of inorganic mercury, which was Mercury is a common element that is found naturally in a free state used to give a metallic sheen to or mixed in ores. It also may be present in rocks or released during felt hats. This gave rise to the volcanic activity. However, most of the mercury that enters the term “mad as a hatter.” environment in Wisconsin comes from human uses. The hat makers were suffering Because mercury is very dense, expands and contracts evenly with from neurological damage from temperature changes, and has high electrical conductivity, it has been the inhalation of mercury fumes. used in thousands of industrial, agricultural, medical, and household Exposure to elemental mercury applications. vapors can cause acute respiratory problems, which are It is estimated that half of the anthropogenic mercury releases in followed by neurologic Wisconsin are the result of the purposeful use of mercury. The other disturbances and general systemic half of mercury emissions originate from energy production. effects. Acute exposure to inorganic mercury by ingestion Major uses of mercury include dental amalgams, tilt switches, may also cause gastrointestinal thermometers, lamps, pigments, batteries, reagents, and barometers. disturbances and may effect the When these products are thrown in the trash or flushed down a drain, kidneys. the mercury doesn’t go away. ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ SO WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? The good news is that the majority referred to as source reduction. of products that use mercury Source reduction allows us to Mercury is a bioaccumulative, purposefully have acceptable eliminate the use of mercury in persistent, toxic substance that alternatives. For example, electric certain waste streams. This is threatens the health of humans vacuum gages, expansion or especially beneficial considering the and wildlife throughout North aneroid monitors are good volatile nature of mercury, because America. The USEPA, Environment Canada, the alternatives to mercury blood mercury can so easily transfer from International Joint pressure monitors. Mechanical air to soil to water. Commission, the Commission switches, magnetic dry reed for Environmental switches, and optic sensors can Practicing source reduction in Cooperation and many state replace mercury tilt switches. combination with recycling the and provincial governments mercury already in the waste stream have identified mercury as one Replacing mercury-laden products can have a significant impact on of the most critical pollutants with less toxic alternatives is reducing mercury levels in the for significant elimination and/ environment. or reduction. 504 DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: MILITARY ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Mercury Transport and Bioaccumulation Mercury Direct Air Emissions Solid Waste Disposal Incineration Sludge Land Disposal Wastewater Disposal Methyl Mercury Mercury can enter the environment from a number of paths. For example, if a mercury-containing item is thrown into the garbage, the mercury may be released into the atmosphere from landfill vapors or leachate, or the mercury may vaporize Fish Consumption if the trash is incinerated. If mercury is flushed through a wastewater system, the Advisories mercury will likely adhere to the wastewater sludge, where it has the potential to volatilize and be deposited elsewhere. Mercury can enter the atmosphere through There are currently 260 lakes these various
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Experiments with the Ammonium Amalgam
    Experiments with the Ammonium Amalgam. [from THE AM. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, VOL. XL, SEPT., 1865.] EXPERIMENTS WITH THE AMMONIUM AMALGAM, BY CHARLES M. WETHERILL, Ph.D., M.D. The existence of the hypothetical radical NH 4 depends less upon the characteristics of its so-called amalgam than! upon the parallelism of its salts with those of the alkalies. If, from these analogies, we accept the metallic nature of ammonium, it will be difficult to avoid assigning a similar character to the rad- icals of all of the organic bases; and especially to those which, like the compound /ammonias, have an alkaline reaction and possess physical and chemical properties so like ammonia. If such be the inference, we must admit numerous compound metals exists only in certain of , which states of combination their elements. The assumption of the elementary nature of a metal is destroyed and the ideas of the alchemists are re- ; a may vived for if NH 4 be metal and NH 3 be not one, why not other metals, esteemed elements, be also compounds. In examining the so-called ammonium amalgam one is inter- ested at the great resemblance which it bears to the amalgams proper in its physical properties. The mercury has lost its flu- idity or mobility, and, at the same time, its relations of cohesion and adhesion are very sensibly altered. It no longer coheres powerfully; but adheres to, or Wets, platinum, iron and other metals, like the potassium or sodium amalgam. When left to C. M. Wetherill—Experiments with Ammonium Amalgam. 3 itself, the swollen mass shrinks, and gradually resolves itself into NH 3(NH 0) H and Hg, because (as it is usually explained) NH 4 has 4 a great tendency to fall apart into NH 3 and H.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Submission from the EU on Mercury-Added Products And
    Submission from the EU on mercury-added products and manufacturing processes using mercury or mercury compounds In accordance with Decision MC-3/16: Review of Annexes A and B, the Secretariat called in a letter dated 13 December (MC/COP3/2019/15) for submissions from Parties by 31 March 2020, including: a) Information on mercury-added products and on the availability, technical and economic feasibility, and environmental and health risks and benefits of non-mercury alternatives to mercury-added products, pursuant to paragraph 4 of article 4 of the Convention b) Information on processes that use mercury or mercury compounds and on the availability, technical and economic feasibility and environmental and health risks and benefits of mercury-free alternatives to manufacturing processes in which mercury or mercury compounds are used, pursuant to paragraph 4 of article 5 of the Convention The EU would like to share the information on a number of products and processes listed in table 1 below, where EU law is stricter than the provisions of the Convention. Each product/process is covered in an individual fiche, including data sources and references. The submission also includes a fiche on re-emerging use of mercury used as propellant in ion engines. New information has surfaced regarding this specific use which is likely to cause a significant dispersion of mercury to the environment. Note that the EU submission is based on the European Commission study on the "Collection of information on mercury-added products and their alternatives". The final report has a wider scope than the EU submission as it also covers a number of other existing or emerging uses and has been published and made available on CIRCABC.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury and Mercury Compounds
    United States Office of Air Quality EPA-454/R-97-012 Environmental Protection Planning And Standards Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 AIR EPA LOCATING AND ESTIMATING AIR EMISSIONS FROM SOURCES OF MERCURY AND MERCURY COMPOUNDS L & E EPA-454/R-97-012 Locating And Estimating Air Emissions From Sources of Mercury and Mercury Compounds Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Office of Air and Radiation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 This report has been reviewed by the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and has been approved for publication. Mention of trade names and commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. EPA-454/R-97-012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................ xi 1.0 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT .............................................. 1-1 2.0 OVERVIEW OF DOCUMENT CONTENTS ................................. 2-1 3.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................ 3-1 3.1 NATURE OF THE POLLUTANT ..................................... 3-1 3.2 OVERVIEW OF PRODUCTION, USE, AND EMISSIONS ................. 3-1 3.2.1 Production .................................................. 3-1 3.2.2 End-Use .................................................... 3-3 3.2.3 Emissions ................................................... 3-6 4.0 EMISSIONS FROM MERCURY PRODUCTION ............................. 4-1 4.1 PRIMARY MERCURY
    [Show full text]
  • Paper Mills 553 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
    DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: PAPER MILLS 553 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ MERCURY USE: Table of Contents About This Handout ............................ 554 PAPER MILLS Why Should I Be Concerned About Mercury? .............................................. 555 Keeping Mercury Out of Wastewater ... 557 Mercury is Potentially Used or Released at 1 A Component in Equipment ............. 558 Paper Mills in Four Different Areas: Mercury Product Focus: Batteries ..... 558 Mercury Product Focus: Detergents & 1 A component in equipment (e.g., switches, gauges, thermometers) Cleaners ............................................... 560 Mercury Product Focus: Gauges - 2 An ingredient in chemicals or laboratory chemicals (e.g., thimerosal) Manometers, Barometers, and Vacuum Gauges ................................................. 561 3 A contaminant in raw materials (eg., caustic soda) Mercury Product Focus: Lamps ........ 561 Mercury Product Focus: Switches and 4 An incidental release due to a production process (eg., coal Relays ................................................... 563 combustion) Mercury Switches in Electrical Applications ......................................... 564 Mercury Product Focus: Thermometers ...................................... 565 Where Would These Products or Processes Be Mercury Product Focus: Thermo-Electric Found in a Paper Mill? Devices ................................................. 565 Mercury Product Focus: Thermostat Mercury-containing instruments and devices are potentially
    [Show full text]
  • Been Regarded As a Distinguishing Characteristic of Electrolytic Con
    634 CHEMISTRY: LEWIS AND HWIVE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION IN DILUTE AMALGAMS By Gilbert N. Lewis and Thomas B. Hine DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Reeived by the Academy. October 17.1916 The modem theory of electrical conduction in metals, according to which the metal is dissociated to give a positive ion of low mobility, which is characteristic of the metal, and a negative carrier of high mo- bility, which is common to all metals and presumably to be identified with the electron, has given rise to certain misgivings, despite the com- plete analogy between this theory and the accepted theory of electro- lytic dissociation. It is true that in the case of solid metals the crystal- line forces, which lead to the formation of the various components of the metal into symmetrical space-lattices, produce conditions which have no counterpart in liquid electrolytes, but in the case of a liquid metal like mercury we must assume that it differs from any electrolyte -we are tempted to say from any other electrolyte-only in as far as one of its ions has properties which differ very greatly in degree, but probably not in kind, from the properties of other ions. If therefore we should ultimately find that the Arrhenius theory of ionization is not applicable to a liquid metal we should be inclined to believe that it is not completely valid in the case of electrolytes. This theory of electrolytic dissociation, which was originally pro- posed to explain the properties of aqueous salt solutions, has since been successfully applied without essential modification to many types of non-aqueous solution.
    [Show full text]
  • Alkali Or Alkaline -Earth Metals
    28.05 28.05 - Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury. - Alkali or alkaline-earth metals : 2805.11 - - Sodium 2805.12 - - Calcium 2805.19 - - Other 2805.30 - Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium whether or not intermixed or interalloyed 2805.40 - Mercury (A) ALKALI METALS The five alkali metals are soft and rather light. They decompose cold water; they deteriorate in air, forming hydroxides. (1) Lithium. This is the lightest (specific gravity 0.54) and hardest of the group. It is kept in mineral oil or inert gases. Lithium helps to improve the qualities of metals, and is used in various alloys (e.g., anti-friction alloys). Because of its great affinity for other elements, it is also used, inter alia, to obtain other metals in the pure state. (2) Sodium. A solid (specific gravity 0.97) with a metallic lustre, readily tarnishing after cutting. It is preserved in mineral oil or in airtight welded tins. Sodium is obtained by electrolysing molten sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide. It is used in the manufacture of sodium peroxide (“ dioxide ”), sodium cyanide, sodamide, etc., the indigo industry, the manufacture of explosives (chemical primers and fuses), the polymerisation of butadiene, anti-friction alloys, or titanium or zirconium metallurgy. The heading excludes sodium amalgam (heading 28.53). (3) Potassium. A silvery-white metal (specific gravity 0.85), which can be cut with an ordinary knife. It is preserved in mineral oil or in sealed ampoules. Potassium is used for the preparation of certain photoelectric cells, and in anti-friction alloys.
    [Show full text]
  • Further Information on the Mercury Cell
    Further information on the mercury cell Here is some further information to assist you. The anode reaction involves chloride ion being converted to chorine gas. Mercury flows over the steel base of the cell and, in this way, the mercury acts as the cathode. Sodium is released in preference to hydrogen on the mercury surface, the sodium dissolving in the mercury. This is then carried into the secondary cell where it reacts with water to release sodium hydroxide. In the secondary reactor, the sodium amalgam reacts with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. Write the equation for this reaction. To increase the rate of this reaction, the secondary reactor contains carbon balls, which catalyse the reaction. The sodium hydroxide is produced at up to 50% concentration. This is the sales specification and therefore no further purification is required. Additionally, the amount of sodium chloride produced is low at 30 ppm, making the mercury cell a highly effective means of producing sodium hydroxide. Further information on the diaphragm cell Here is some further information to assist you. The anode reaction involves chloride ion being converted to chlorine gas, while, at the cathode, hydrogen is released. The porous diaphragm is a means of separating chlorine liberated at the anode from sodium hydroxide and hydrogen produced at the cathode. Due to a hydraulic gradient, it prevents the reverse flow of hydroxyl ions formed in cathode section from passing into the anode section where they can react to form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium chlorate (NaClO3). Due to reactions described in the section on The problem with electrolysis, sodium hypochlorite, sodium chlorate and oxygen are formed as bi-products in a commercial cell.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyponitrites ; Their Properties, and Their Pre- Paration by Sodium Or Potassium
    View Article Online / Journal Homepage / Table of Contents for this issue DIVERS : HYPONITRfTES ; THEfR PROPERTfES, ETC. $5 XV.-Hyponitrites ; their Properties, and their Pre- paration by Sodium or Potassium. Published on 01 January 1899. Downloaded by Heinrich Heine University of Duesseldorf 12/11/2013 22:18:32. By EDWARDDIVERS, M.D.; D.Sc., F.R.8. THE hyponitrites have received the attention of many chemists besides myself since their discovery in 1871, and even this year new ways of forming them and the new working of an old method have been published, Yet much has been left to be put on record before a fairly correct and full history of these salts can be said to have been given, and the present paper is meant to be the necessary supplement to what has already been published. Way8 fmming Hyponitrites. No writer on hyponitrites in recent years has ahown himself acquainted with all the known ways of getting these salts, or even with the most productive. The following complete list is valuable, H2 View Article Online 96 DIVERS : HYPONITRITES ; THEIR PROPERTIES, AND THEIR therefore, and is of special interest as bringing togehr the various modes of formation of these salts. 1, Reduction of an alkali nitrite by the amalgam of its metal (Divers, 1871). 2. Reduction of an alkali nitrite by ferrous hydroxide (Zorn, 1882 ; Dunstap and Dymond). 3. Reduction of (hypo)nitrososulphates by sodium amalgam (Divers and Haga, 1885). 4. Reduction of nitric oxide by alkali stannite (Divers and Hagn, 1885). 5. Reduction of nitric oxide by ferrous hydroxide (Dunstan and Dymond, 1887).
    [Show full text]
  • Hazards in the Electrolysis of Brine in Mercury Cells
    35 HAZARDS IN THE ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE IN MERCURY CELLS By A. PENNELL, Ph.D.* SUMMARY A brief description of a typical mercury cell installation is given in order that a full appreciation of the hazards involved can be obtained. Measures which can be taken in design to ove rcome these dangers are indicated. Introduction Sodium chloride brine is a relatively harmless substance, although of course certain care must be exercised in the selec­ tion of materials of construction. However, in the electrolysis of brine, raw materials are used and products are obtained which require very careful handling. In addition to severe corrosion hazards, explosive, fire, electrical, and toxic hazards also exist, which have to be minimised by good design and careful operation. This paper has been limited to the safety measures which can be adopted by the cell designer. The earliest type of industrial mercury cell was the famous ELECTROLYSER DECOMPOSER Castner-Kellner rocking cell which started production in 1897. Fig. I.—Principle of mercury cell operation This was rated at 550 A. Prior to 1945, the usual operating currents were up to 14 000 A, but at the present time cells are installed which can operate up to 200 000 A. Although the same basic principles are involved, there are many different The ancillary equipment associated with an electrolytic cell designs of mercury cell such as the horizontal, vertical, and plant is outlined in the simplified flow diagram shown in rotating cathode cells. The hazards encountered will be Fig. 2. Sodium chloride brine containing 310-315 g/l of generally similar for the various designs, but the following sodium chloride enters the cells, and is depleted by electrolysis- discussion will make particular reference to horizontal to 270-280 g/1 sodium chloride.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury Contamination in Man and His Environment
    TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 137 Mercury Contamination in Man and his Environment A JOINT UNDERTAKING BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION. THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY J WJ INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, VIENNA, 1972 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 137 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT A JOINT UNDERTAKING BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA, 1972 MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT IAEA, VIENNA, 1972 STI/DOC/lO/137 Printed by the IAEA in Austria July 1972 FOREWORD In May 1967, at a Symposium organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Amsterdam, the special problems of food and environ- mental contamination by mercury were discussed by world experts on the subject and by representatives of FAO, WHO and IAEA. One of the recom- mendations made by this meeting was that the international organizations of the United Nations family should assist in the collection and distribution of information on environmental mercury. Subsequently, the organizations concerned agreed that a handbook on mercury contamination would be es- pecially useful. This would deal with sources of mercury in relation to man and his environment; with physical and biological transfer processes that determine its distribution; with analytical methods for determining mercury and its compounds as environmental contaminants; with actual concentrations of mercury found in the environment, in living organisms and in man; and with its toxicology in animals and man.
    [Show full text]
  • Report to Congress on the 2009 EPA Report to Congress on the Potential
    R E P O R T TO CONGRESS Potential Export of Mercury Compounds from the United States for Conversion to Elemental Mercury October 14, 2009 United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances Washington, DC 20460 October 14, 2009 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Table of Contents Acronyms and abbreviations..............................................................................................................viii Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................ix Introduction: Background and Purpose ................................................................................................ix Selection of Mercury Compounds for Assessment in this Report ...................................................... x Mercury Compound Sources, Amounts, Purposes, and International Trade..................................xi Potential for Export of Mercury Compounds to be Used as a Source for Elemental Mercury......xi Other Relevant Information ...................................................................................................................xii Conclusions of Assessment of Potential for Export of Mercury Compounds................................xvi 1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background .....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • PATENT OFFICE 2,224,814 ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION of METALS ' Harvey N
    Patented Dec. 10, 1940 2,224,814 UNITED‘ STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,224,814 ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION OF METALS ' Harvey N. Gilbert, Niagara Falls, N. Y., assignor to E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Wil mington, Del., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Application August 25, 1938, Serial No. 226,747 .4 Claims. (01. 204-105) I substantially pure metals, including the alkali This invention relates to the production of metals, by a process which involves the ‘elec metals from metal salts and more particularly to trolysis ‘of aqueous solutions with a mercury a method of producing substantially pure metals cathode. A further object is to provide an im _ by methods which involve electrolysis of aqueous proved method for recovering substantially pure .5 5 salt solutions using mercury as a cathode and re alkali metal from dilute alkali metal amalgams covering metals from the resulting amalgams. obtained by electrolysis. Another object is to This is a continuation in part of my copending provide an improved method for separating mer application Serial No. 109,129, ?led November cury from a dilute alkali metal amalgam to ob 4, 1936. tain a concentrated amalgam. Other objects will 10 10 The art of electrolyzing alkali metal salt solu be apparent from the following description of my ‘ tions, using mercury as a cathode to obtain alkali invention. , metal amalgam is a comparatively old one. The above objects are obtained in accordance 1' Heretofore this method of electrolysis has been with the present invention by providing a dilute used only in the production of caustic alkalies l5 and similar processes, wherein the amalgam is liquidabout alkali1% of metalthe amalgamated amalgam, containing metal, cooling less than the 15 reacted to produce alkali metal compounds.
    [Show full text]