MERCURY EFFECTS

Mercury can cause harmful effects before symptoms develop

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Tremors, Changes in vision or hearing, Insomnia, Weakness, Memory problems, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Increases in blood pressure or heart rate, Eye irritation, Irritability, Breathing problems, Painful mouth, Abdominal pain, Fever and/or chills

Damage from mercury passed from a mother to her unborn fetus may include:

Brain damage, Mental retardation, Lack of coordination, Blindness, Inability to speak

PREVENTION

Avoid using metallic mercury for any purpose Keep it safely stored in a leak-proof container in a secure space (eg, a locking closet) Trade in old thermometers or barometers containing mercury for new ones that do not Carefully handle and dispose of items containing mercury (e.g., thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs) Do not vacuum or heat spilled mercury Teach children not to play with silver liquids Properly dispose of old medications containing mercury Keep mercury-containing medications away from children Learn about wildlife and fish advisories in your area from your local public health or natural resources department Limit fish intake to recommended quantities and avoid fish known to be especially contaminated by methylmercury

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

DISPOSING

If you spill a small amount of metallic mercury (e.g., a broken thermometer):

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Remove children from the area. DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner. Carefully roll the bead of mercury onto a sheet of paper or suck it up with an eye dropper. Place the bead in a bag or airtight container. Contact your local health department to find out how to dispose of the mercury and paper or eye dropper. Ventilate the room to the outside. Use fans to speed ventilation for at least one hour.

MINAMATA DISEASE
A neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. Symptoms are numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. Paralysis, coma and death follow within weeks of the onset of symptoms.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

MINAMATA Minamata disease was first discovered in Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan in 1956. It was caused by the release of methyl mercury in the industrial wastewater from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory, which continued from 1932 to 1968. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, which when eaten by the local populace resulted in mercury poisoning.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

ALPHA RADIATION

Alpha radiation is the emission of a helium particle stripped of its electrons. The resulting nucleus is missing 2 protons and 2 neutrons resulting in a charge loss of 2 and mass loss of 4. An alpha particle has a charge of +2. The massive kinetic energy emitted by an alpha particle, upon impact with near by particles, usually causes reactions in those molecules. The largest radiation particle, alpha particles are capable of doing the most damage. However because of its size it cannot penetrate our skin. When the an alpha emitter is in gaseous form it becomes threatening, it no longer has to penetrate skin, it can proceed directly into the lungs causing cancer of the lungs. For example, this is the alpha decay of uranium-238 to thorium-234: 238 U ==> 234 Th + 4 He 92 90 2

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

BETA

Beta radiation is the emission of high energy electrons from the nucleus of an atom. The loss of an electron does nothing to the atomic mass but increases the atomic number by 1. Beta radiation changes a neutron into a proton. The charge of a beta particle is -1. Beta radiation is more penetrating then alpha radiation but lacks the kinetic energy of alpha particles. The wavelength of beta rays is approximately that of Xrays,10-8m. This is the general equation for beta decay: 10n ==> 11p + 0-1e + neutron ==> proton + beta particle (electron) + antineutrino. An antineutrino accompanies the products also.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

GAMMA

Gamma radiation (00) is the emission of high energy photons in the range of 10-10 m, with no matter associated with it. Gamma rays are normally the by product of other alpha or beta emissions. Gamma rays have no effect on either mass or charge, gamma rays only stabilize the nucleus by releasing some of the excess energy. Gamma rays are the most damaging rays being able to penetrate meter thick lead. High energy gamma rays are known as cosmic rays are capable of penetrating kilometers of dense material.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

LEAD POLLUTION

Sources of Lead

Lead-based paint, contaminated soil, drinking water, leaded petrol.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Lead Health Effects

Lead affects practically all systems within the body. Lead levels at or above 80 micrograms per deciliter of blood can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can cause adverse health effects on the central nervous system, kidney, and blood cells. Blood lead levels as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter can impair mental and physical development.

The effects of lead exposure on fetuses and young children can be severe. Lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies, and the tissues of small children. The symptoms include delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems. Children may have higher exposures since they are more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Lead Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition; do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead. Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and iron. Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. Mop floors with a solution detergent in warm water.

Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition, do not burn off paint

Lead paint in good condition is usually not a problem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and create dust (for example, opening a window).

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Do not remove lead paint yourself.

Individuals have been poisoned by scraping or sanding lead paint because these activities generate large amounts of lead dust. Occupants, especially children and pregnant women, should leave the building until all work is finished and clean-up is done. Lead is added as a pigment and also to speed drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion.

An antiknock agent is a gasoline additive used to reduce engine knocking and increase the fuel's octane rating. The most popular additive was tetraethyl lead. Most countries are phasing out leaded fuel; different additives have replaced the lead compounds. The most popular additives include aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers and alcohol (usually ethanol or methanol).

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Do not bring lead dust into the home.

If you work in construction, demolition, painting, with batteries, in a radiator repair shop or lead factory, or your hobby involves lead, you may unknowingly bring lead into your home on your hands or clothes. Soil by roads and highways may be contaminated from years of exhaust fumes from cars and trucks that used leaded gas. Use door mats to wipe your feet before entering the home. If you work with lead in your job or a hobby, change your clothes before you go home and wash these clothes separately. Encourage your children to play in sand and grassy areas instead of dirt which sticks to fingers and toys. Try to keep your children from eating dirt, and make sure they wash their hands when they come inside.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Find out about lead in drinking water

Most well and city water does not usually contain lead. Water usually picks up lead inside the home from household plumbing that is made with lead materials. The only way to know.

Manav Rachna College of Engg.

Eat right
A child who gets enough iron and calcium will absorb less lead. Foods rich in iron include eggs, red meats, and beans. Dairy products are high in calcium. Do not store food or liquid in lead crystal glassware or imported or old pottery. If you reuse old plastic bags to store or carry food, keep the printing on the outside of the bag.