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SAFE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF MERCURY
Mercury is used in the MDU/Rx™ device in order to generate the plasma needed to produce UV-C radiation. This is
similar to the use of mercury in many types of commercial, fluorescent light fixtures. As long as the glass or quartz
outer bulb is intact, mercury is contained within the fixture and poses no health hazard. In the event that an optic
breaks, less than 25 mg of mercury could be released. This is much less than what is present in a commercial
thermometer. Liquid metallic mercury is hazardous due to its potential to release mercury vapor. In humans,
approximately 80% of inhaled mercury vapor is absorbed via the respiratory tract, where it enters the circulatory
system and is distributed throughout the body. Short term exposure to 25 mg of spilled mercury does not pose a
health hazard, provided that the source of the mercury is removed promptly. Chronic exposure by inhalation, even at
low concentrations in the range 0.7–42 μg/m
disturbance in workers. The OHSA limit for occupational exposure of elemental mercury is 0.1 mg/m3. Mercury is
also used in most fluorescent light fixtures.
In the event that the device optic light does not function, the optics should be checked to ensure that they are intact.
If the optic is cracked, but not broken, it should be replaced. Cracked optics should be double sealed in plastic bags
and disposed of according to local, approved procedures. In the event that the optic breaks and the mercury is
spilled clean-up should be done immediately according to the following procedure published by the Environment
Protection Agency.
Evacuate the room for at least 15 minutes
Do not attempt to clean up the spill with a
vacuum cleaner, mop or broom
Dispose of clothing, fabric etc. that has come
in contact with mercury; do not wash
Only the individual to clean up the spill
should re-occupy the space
Close the doors to the area of the spill and
turn off the HVAC system; open exterior
windows and direct room air out of the
window with fans or use an exhaust fan if the
area is equipped with one that vents directly
outdoors
Cover shoes with disposable foot covers or
wear shoes that will be disposed of
Remove jewelry as mercury will amalgamate
with metals and ruin them
Use a commercial mercury spill clean-up kit
to remove the spilled mercury. ( See list of
suppliers below)
Identify items in the spill area that can be
cleaned and those that cannot. Non-
porous surfaces (finished wood, plastic or
concrete) can be cleaned following this
guidance. Porous surfaces or fabric-covered
items (upholstery, carpeting, stuffed animals,
pillows, backpacks, unfinished wood, cork,
SAFETY INFORMATION
3
, can cause effects such as tremors, impaired cognitive skills, and sleep
2
cardboard) are difficult to clean because
mercury beads may be trapped in these
materials. If you decide you cannot clean
these items, place them in plastic trash bags
or cover or wrap them in a double layer of
plastic and carefully seal with tape. Place the
wrapped items in a secure place, preferably
outdoors and out of the reach of children and
pets. You should consult with a trained
professional about how to decontaminate or
dispose of these items safely.
Wear gloves to carefully pick up the
larger pieces of broken glass and what
remains of the broken device and place
them on a paper towel. Gently fold the
paper towel around these pieces so you can
pick the bundle up and place it in a zipper-
type plastic bag. Use index cards or stiff
cardboard to push smaller pieces of glass
and mercury beads together into a pile.
Shine a flashlight at an angle to locate
beads of mercury. The beads will reflect light
from the flashlight. Check for mercury in
cracks or in hard-to-reach areas where
beads may be hidden or trapped. Check a
wide area beyond the spill.
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