A Survey of Mercury Vapor Hazards in Hospitals

Abstract
The Hg hazard associated with the use of the Coulter counter, the Van Slyke apparatus, and Miller-Abbott and Cantor tubes was surveyed in 47 hospitals in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A commercial Hg vapor detector was used in the survey. Hg concentrations in excess of 0.1 mg/m3 were detected in 6 hospitals. Accidental spills and poor housekeeping were the major causes of high Hg concentrations. Hospital personnel were, in general, unaware of the health hazards of Hg vapor. Recommended precautions are given.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: