What are the health consequences of long-term mercury exposure?
Euro Chlor has finalised a scientific publication on the health effects of long-term, low to moderate exposure to metallic mercury. Currently in Europe less than one third of chlorine production is still based on mercury technology, with a view to phase this out completely by 2020. During this transition period, Euro Chlor contributes to ensure high workplace health standards based on research.
In the chlor-alkali industry elemental (metallic) mercury is used in the electrolysis of sodium chloride to make caustic soda and chlorine. There continues to be strong pressure from the regulatory bodies to remove mercury wherever possible from industrial uses and products. The Chlor-Alkali industry has committed to ending its use of mercury by 2020.
The extent of the effects produced from exposure to metallic mercury will largely depend on the dose (how much), the duration (how long) and the route of exposure (how you came into contact with it).
Inhalations of elemental mercury over the longer-term may cause a variety of issues. At low to moderate dose levels, some effects can be observed but these are reversible once exposure is ceased. Levels of up to 50 µg/l in urine found no adverse effects in humans. Higher levels can lead to more serious problems.
Mercury is found widely in the environment, occurring both naturally and as a result of human activities. Globally, most of the mercury released into the environment by human activities is due to the burning of fossil fuels, waste incineration and gold mining.
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