Elemental Mercury and Inorganic Mercury Compounds


Book Description

On cover: IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety. Published under the joint sponsorship of WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Labour Organization and produced within the framework of the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IPCS).




Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens


Book Description

For more than a quarter century, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens has proven to be among the most reliable, easy-to-use and essential reference works on hazardous materials. Sittig's 5th Edition remains the lone comprehensive work providing a vast array of critical information on the 2,100 most heavily used, transported, and regulated chemical substances of both occupational and environmental concern.Information is the most vital resource anyone can have when dealing with potential hazardous substance accidents or acts of terror. Sittig's provides extensive data for each of the 2,100 chemicals in a uniform format, enabling fast and accurate decisions in any situation. The chemicals are presented alphabetically and classified as a carcinogen, hazardous substance, hazardous waste, or toxic pollutant. This new edition contains extensively expanded information in all 28 fields for each chemical (see table of contents) and has been updated to keep pace with world events. Chemicals classified as WMD have been included in the new edition as has more information frequently queried by first responders and frontline industrial safety personnel. *Includes and references European chemical identifiers and regulations.*The only single source reference that provides such in-depth information for each chemical.*The two volume set is designed for fast and accurate decision making in any situation.







Advances in Mercury Toxicology


Book Description

This book is based on an international meeting organized by the University of Tokyo and the University of Rochester, and is published as one belonging to the series of Rochester International Conferences in Environmental Toxicity. The meeting on "Advances in Mercury Toxicology" was held at the University of Tokyo on August 1 to 3, 1990. The invited papers are published in this book along with an "Overview" chapter that was written by the editors at a meeting held at the University of Rochester on August 1 to 2, 1991. The purpose of the meeting was to assemble leading scientists to discuss their most recent findings on the toxicology of mercury. The time was opportune. Considerable progress has been made on the environmental fate and toxicology of mercury. Recent findings have given new insight into the global model for mercury. Transport in the atmosphere extends great distances resulting in pollution of lakes and rivers far distant from the source of mercury release. The process of methylation leads to accumulation of methylmercury in fish and thus in the human diet. New evidence indicates that acid rain and the impoundment of water for hydroelectric purposes affects the methylation and bioaccumulation processes resulting in higher levels of methylmercury in fish.




Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury


Book Description

Mercury is widespread in our environment. Methylmercury, one organic form of mercury, can accumulate up the aquatic food chain and lead to high concentrations in predatory fish. When consumed by humans, contaminated fish represent a public health risk. Combustion processes, especially coal-fired power plants, are major sources of mercury contamination in the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering regulating mercury emissions from those plants. Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury reviews the health effects of methylmercury and discusses the estimation of mercury exposure from measured biomarkers, how differences between individuals affect mercury toxicity, and appropriate statistical methods for analysis of the data and thoroughly compares the epidemiological studies available on methylmercury. Included are discussions of current mercury levels on public health and a delineation of the scientific aspects and policy decisions involved in the regulation of mercury. This report is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the public health effects and regulation of mercury. The report also provides an excellent example of the implications of decisions in the risk assessment process for a larger audience.













Mercury


Book Description

Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature. Mercury’s chemical symbol is Hg. The “Hg” comes from the Greek word hydrargyrum, which means “liquid silver.” Because of its silvery appearance and the way it moves, the metal was also called quicksilver. In fact, the chemical is named for the Roman god, Mercury, who was known for his speed and mobility. Students learn about the sources of mercury and its effects on the environment (coal-burning power plants are responsible for nearly 40 percent of the human-caused mercury emissions in the United States). They learn about mercury’s chemical properties and classification as a transition metal. Mercury’s place on the periodic table and its subatomic particles are also discussed. Readers will study mercury ions and isotopes. The book also explains the element’s applications in thermometers, thermostats, silent wall switches, fluorescent lights, and dental amalgams.




Mercury Hazards to Living Organisms


Book Description

Complex and ever changing in its forms and functions, the element mercury follows a convoluted course through the environment and up the food chain. The process is complicated further by the fact that the difference between tolerable natural background levels and harmful effects in the environment is exceptionally small and still not completely und