Determinations of Mercury in Air at University Facilities

A Beckman Model K-23 mercury vapor meter was modified to include a charcoal trap to remove interfering organic vapors and a membrane filter to remove aerosol. During sampling of an unknown atmosphere, sample bypassed the filters and entered an optical absorption cell which replaced the more common external grill supplied with the standard instrument. The modified instrument was used to measure mercury in air concentrations at sites within a large university complex. General air concentrations were found to be in the range 0.010 to 0.035 mg/m3; several breathing zone areas were associated with concentrations in excess of the recommended new ACGIH threshold limit value of 0.05 mg/m3. In general, personnel using mercury vapor, or the unfamiliar, or minimally familiar, with the health hazards of mercury vapor, or the precautionary measures required to ensure safe handling. It was concluded that there are numerous sources of mercury on university campuses, that potential and real hazards exist, and that educational and surveillance programs are required to minimize the risk assumed by personnel using mercury.