Working environment factors
How does mercury affect workers’ health?
May
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal found in the air, water, and soil. Exposure to even a small amount of mercury can cause serious health problems.
Mercury — a highly toxic substance — is a major concern for scientists and health experts worldwide. It is extremely dangerous to human health, especially for workers exposed to it in occupational settings. Many studies and reports have shown that long-term exposure to mercury in the workplace can cause severe impacts on workers’ health, affecting the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. So, how does mercury affect workers’ health? Let’s find out in the following article.
1. What is mercury?
Mercury is a chemical element belonging to the metal group. It exists in liquid form, has the symbol “Hg,” and an atomic number of 80. In nature, mercury can exist in several forms: elemental metal, inorganic forms (which are harmful to workers in industries with high exposure risks, such as chemical plants), and organic forms (such as methylmercury, which people are exposed to through food consumption). Each form of mercury has different toxicity levels and health impacts.
Mercury is naturally found in the Earth’s crust. It is released into the environment from volcanic activity, rock weathering, and human activities. Among these, human activities are the main cause of mercury emissions—especially coal-fired power plants, industrial centers, waste incinerators, and the extraction of mercury, gold, and other metals.
In the natural environment, mercury can be transformed by bacteria into methylmercury, which accumulates in fish and shellfish (bioaccumulation occurs when organisms contain higher concentrations of a substance than their surroundings). Methylmercury also biomagnifies in the food chain. For example, large predatory fish often contain higher mercury levels due to consuming smaller contaminated fish.
Humans can be exposed to mercury in various ways. However, the most common exposure route is through eating fish and shellfish contaminated with methylmercury. Additionally, industrial workers may inhale mercury vapor as an occupational hazard. Cooking and food processing cannot eliminate mercury.
2. Sources of mercury emissions in production processes
Mercury can be released from various sources during the production, use, and disposal of mercury-containing products. Common sources include:
- Natural mercury found in soil and rocks; mining is a major source of mercury release.
- Manufacturing processes of products such as fluorescent lamps, electronic devices, batteries, and pesticides.
- Mercury present in various types of waste, including electronic waste and fluorescent lamps. Improper waste disposal can release mercury into the environment.
- Wastewater treatment plants may emit mercury if not properly designed and operated.
- Gold mining and processing often use mercury to separate gold from ore, which releases mercury.
Minimizing mercury emissions requires strict management, monitoring, and the use of proper production and treatment techniques to ensure human and environmental safety.
3. Occupations involving mercury exposure that may endanger workers
Mercury is toxic to humans and can cause numerous adverse health effects. Occupations that involve mercury exposure include:
- Fluorescent lamp manufacturing.
- Battery production, where workers may be exposed to mercury.
- Scientific research laboratories where mercury is used.
- Waste treatment and recycling facilities handling electronic waste and fluorescent lamps.
- Gold extraction, where mercury is used to separate gold from ore.
- Other occupations with direct or indirect mercury exposure.
4. How mercury affects workers’ comfort
Mercury exposure can negatively impact workers’ health and overall comfort. Negative effects include:
- Nervous system impacts such as dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and reduced concentration. Long-term exposure may weaken the nervous system and affect mental health.
- Digestive issues such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, and migraines.
- Impaired reproductive health in both men and women.
- Weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
These effects reduce workers’ comfort and productivity. Workers must receive proper training on safe handling and protective measures when working with mercury.
5. Permissible mercury exposure levels in the workplace
According to Decision 3733/2002/QĐ-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health, which sets 21 occupational hygiene standards, 5 principles, and 7 occupational hygiene indicators:
**Table 1: Occupational exposure limits for chemicals in the workplace air**
| No. | Chemical name (Vietnamese) | Chemical name (English) | Chemical formula | 8-hour TWA (mg/m3) | STEL (mg/m3) |
| 323 | Mercury and inorganic mercury compounds | Mercury and compounds (inorganic) | Hg | 0.02 | 0.04 |
6. Long-term mercury exposure may cause which diseases?
Long-term mercury exposure may cause occupational diseases such as:
- Chronic mercury poisoning, with symptoms including headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, diarrhea, and memory loss.
- Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease due to nerve cell degeneration.
- Nervous system disorders such as paralysis and seizures.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
- Weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and other illnesses.
Workers must be trained in safe handling methods and seek medical attention if they develop unusual symptoms after exposure.
7. Measures to minimize mercury’s impact on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of mercury exposure, the following measures should be applied:
- Workers must properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, masks, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Manufacturers should improve production processes to reduce mercury exposure, such as adopting safer technologies or replacing mercury-containing materials.
- Provide training on mercury safety, PPE usage, and early detection of mercury poisoning symptoms. Supervisors must ensure compliance.
- Maintain proper workplace hygiene to reduce mercury accumulation, especially in industries like fluorescent lamp manufacturing.
- Workers with abnormal symptoms after exposure should seek medical attention promptly.
- Worker safety training: Essential for protecting workers’ health in mercury-exposed workplaces.
- Regular occupational environment monitoring to detect harmful factors early and prevent occupational diseases.
8. National occupational environment monitoring center
The Occupational Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specialized in monitoring and assessing workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced occupational environment monitoring specialists, the center uses modern equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports clients in planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered service,” we aim to meet all client needs and deliver the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the leading units in occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following goals:
- We value our brand reputation and the quality of our services.
- We always provide the best and most suitable solutions for clients.
- Our team of experienced Masters and Engineers is committed to environmental protection and supporting businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from industry experts along with the best cost-effective solutions.
9. Occupational environment monitoring service quotation
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides a high-quality and reasonably priced occupational environment monitoring service quotation.
- Our quotation includes detailed information on service fees, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can be assured of the accuracy and reliability of our monitoring results.
- We are committed to offering competitive and reasonable pricing, along with fast and professional consultation.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, clients can easily choose a service package that suits their needs. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
