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RIVM Rapport 609300021
Abstract
Environmental health guideline for Municipal Public Health Services
Mercury in the indoor environment and health
Although the sale of most mercury containing products is prohibited, mercury
spills are still possible as old, mercury containing, products may break and
release liquid mercury. Therefore, environmental health workers at the Municipal
Public Health Services (GGD) need information concerning exposure
assessment, health-based guideline values and clean-up procedures after
mercury spills. For this purpose, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)
commissioned the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM) and the Municipal Public Health Services (GGD) to draw up a guideline
on mercury in the indoor environment and health.
Exposure to mercury leads to more adverse health effects than most people
anticipate and is therefore an underestimated problem. Long-term exposure to
low concentrations of mercury vapour can lead to serious health effects. People
can be exposed to mercury vapour for a long time if traces of mercury remain
indoors after breakage of a mercury containing product. Traces of mercury can
easily be left unseen in floor carpeting or in a small crack after apparent
cleaning.
This guideline is aimed at providing Municipal Public Health Service workers with
background information and it is an instrument for assessing mercury spills. The
guideline provides the information required for a careful risk assessment and
gives advice on measures to be taken. A step-by-step plan has been developed
as guidance for the assessment of mercury spills. Possibilities to prevent
mercury spills indoors are discussed, such as facilitating the exchange of
mercury containing thermometers and providing information and education. The
appendices contain example letters for education and information purposes.
Keywords:
mercury, local public health authority, health risk, houses, indoor environment
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