Assessment of mercury presence and exposure in a lighthouse with a mercury drive system

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(88)80006-9· OSTI ID:5066883

van Netten, C; Teschke, K E

It is common practice for lighthouses with large Fresnel lenses to use mercury baths as a low-friction rotation mechanism. Some recent acute mercury poisonings and incidents of abnormal behavior in lighthouse keepers have drawn attention to the potential for chronic mercury poisoning in these workplaces. This study evaluated the distribution of mercury in a lighthouse on the Canadian west coast, and the exposure of its keepers and their spouses under two weather conditions. The urine mercury levels found in the lighthouse personnel were all less than would be expected in an occupationally exposed group (<4 ..mu..g/24 hr urine). Air concentrations in the lighthouse ranged from 4.4 to 26.3 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/. Swabbing showed considerable accumulation of mercury on surfaces in the area of the light rotation mechanism, as well as transport throughout the lighthouse. The mercury levels in this lighthouse appeared to be under control through effective convective ventilation and employee awareness. The study signals potential problems where precautions have not been taken, especially in situations where the keepers an their families live in the lighthouse.

• Research Organization: Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada)
• OSTI ID: 5066883
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Vol. 45:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MERCURY
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
HEALTH HAZARDS
AIR
CANADA
FRESNEL LENS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
URINE
VENTILATION
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BODY FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
LENSES
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METALS
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560300* - Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport- (-1989)