![]() ![]() Exposure to methylmercury (a form of organic mercury) most often comes from eating fish that contains methylmercury.Exposures to inorganic or organic mercury may come from skin contact with mercury or substances containing mercury (e.g., skin lightening creams), or from use of medicines or vaccines containing mercury.Small amounts or mercury vapor are also released from dental amalgams (fillings) that contain elemental mercury. This occurs in some occupations and may also occur when devices containing mercury, such as thermostats or thermometers, break and release mercury droplets and mercury vapor into the air. Exposure to elemental mercury most often occurs from breathing air containing elemental mercury vapor.The reporting system is designed to identify workers who might be exposed to mercury so measures to reduce exposures can be taken before health effects are expected. Mercury levels at or above these values do not mean that you will develop adverse health effects. blood - 5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).Healthcare providers and laboratories are required by the New York State Sanitary Code to report the results of blood or urine mercury tests to the NYS Department of Health when mercury is at or above the following levels: Why are test results sent to the New York State Heavy Metals Registry? Some people may have higher than usual levels from eating fish and seafood, working with mercury-containing materials, or from other exposure sources. For most people, an elevated blood mercury level is associated with eating fish and other seafood containing organic mercury.Įveryone has a small amount of mercury in his/her body. Elevated mercury in blood usually indicates exposure to organic mercury (such as from eating fish containing methylmercury) or recent exposure to a high level of elemental mercury vapor.Elevated mercury in urine usually indicates exposure to an elemental or inorganic source of mercury, such as from a job that uses mercury.Both tests usually measure levels of total mercury (elemental, inorganic and organic). The most commonly accepted methods of assessing mercury exposure are to test urine or blood. What medical testing is used to detect mercury exposure? A common form of organic mercury is methylmercury which is produced by microorganisms in water and soil, and which accumulates in fish. Organic mercury is mercury combined with carbon-containing compounds.Inorganic mercury is mercury combined with other chemical elements such as chlorine, sulfur or oxygen.Elemental mercury is a silvery, odorless liquid that evaporates slowly at room temperature, becoming a vapor.Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and is also released into the environment through human activity. ![]() Understanding Mercury Exposure Levels is available in Portable Document Format (PDF).All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safety.Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors.Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |