Mercury Cleanup & Disposal Hazardous Environment Cleaning Experts
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Mercury is a toxic substance known to be used in many everyday implements such as batteries, thermometers, barometers, as well as lighthouses and manometers. Due to the recognised dangers, many of these items have been replaced with less dangerous alternatives. In the event of a mercury spill it is vital that you seek the help of a professional mercury cleanup service provider like Ideal Response.
Inhalation of Mercury vapours following a spill are a major risk due to the high level of absorption that is likely to occur when the Mercury gas is inhaled. Exposure through skin is also a high risk. Especially if the individual at risk has cuts or abrasions that may come into contact with the Mercury spill.
Large mercury spills come with the added risk that their effects may last for a significant period following the spill if decontamination is not executed correctly. Exposure to increased levels of mercury vapour may cause:
- Lung Damage
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- etc.
Why You Need an Expert
Decontamination of an area affected by a mercury spill is complicated. This is due to the tendency of the substance to break down into small “balls”. These “balls” are virtually impossible to collect if the correct equipment is not used. The use of a vacuum cleaner (although tempting) is strictly out of bounds. This is due to the fact that it may broadcast mercury vapours into the atmosphere of the area being decontaminated.
To further complicate the matter, it is difficult if not impossible to remove spilt mercury from porous materials. These materials include clothing, carpets, dry walling, raw or natural wood and materials used to upholster furniture for example. This makes the safe removal and compliant disposal of materials affected in this way an important part of the decontamination process. Our highly trained mercury cleanup technicians are fully equipped to deal with this issue.
Dangers of Exposure to a Mercury Spill
Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) has an atomic number of 80 and is classified as a hazardous substance under the WFD (Waste Framework Directive). Mercury is highly toxic and persistent alongside having bio-accumulating tendencies in living organisms, inflicting increasing levels of harm.
As mercury is hazardous, it must be disposed off appropriately. A duty of care alongside rigorous guidance set out by the Environmental Agency means mercury needs to be disposed off at an approved waste facility. Ideal Response are a certified upper-tier waste carrier that can dispose of all types of waste including hazardous waste. This certification ensures our mercury cleanup service solves your issue entirely, from cleanup up to disposal.
Contact Us Today
If you have encountered a mercury spill it is important to remember these types of hazardous chemicals need to be disposed of safely and responsibly. If you require a quick comprehensive mercury cleaning solution get in contact with our experts today. Ideal Response is open 24/7 and 365 days a year. This means that no matter when you need our mercury cleaning service, we are available to help.
Contact us today via our website live chat, telephone or web form submission. Once you are through to one of our experts you can receive your free estimate. Next, we can get your mercury cleanup service booked in. Depending on when you call we may even be able to have a team out to you the same day.