Document Ojo8K5O4bxYM4Rjy3VN3QJ3v

Reprints:1 Behavior of Mercury in the Animal Organism following inhalation 2 Synthesis of Di-beta naphthylthiocarbazone and some of its Analogs 3 Determination of Mercury in Urine June 29, 1362 Mir. II. W. Speicher, Administrator Industrial Hygiene Westinghouse Electric Corporation East Pittsburgh, Fa. Dear Mr. Speicher; With respect to the occupational (or other) hazard of the absorption of mercury through the skin, under ordinary conditions, you can dismiss the matter as of no practical consequence. I can imagine conditions under which the contribution by percutaneous absorption to the total quantity absorbed would be significant (as for example the practically continuous contact of the skin with a heavy grease base in which firmly divided raetalic mercury is aispersed)in appreciable concentrations (from 1 or 2 per cent, upward). However, the incidental contact of the skin of the fingers md hands with metallic mercury, by itself, is of no significance, in itself, and is/absurdly minute importance in relation to the inhalation of mercury vapor. (I am sure you are aware that mercury has a highly significant vapor pressure at ordinary temperatures). Such inhalation occurs to an important extent in a v ariety of industrial and professional (diagnostic laboratories) situations. It is not too easy to maintain the atmosphere of laboratories and chemical work rooms well within the proper specifications. It can be done, but it is hot always done. I have seen many times the tolerable level in a variety of places. The air should not be permitted t:o contain more than 0.1 mg. Hg. per cubic meter at any time, in view of the serious character of chronic mercurialism, but i[n our experience, this standard is sufficient to maintain freedom from hazard. There will be an highly significant absorption of mercury at or near this threshold level of concentration. The relative rate of the absorption ia indicated by the rate of the excretion of mercury in the urine, and when it is not in excess of 0.20 mg. d1 0.03 of Hg. per liter of urine (in an individual who has no renal' damage) the hazard is insignificant. You are right in believing that the ingestion of mercury may be a problem, but it is usually of* minor significance. The method of analysis which we use in this Laboratory, after its development here, is described in the attached reprint. I send you also a reprint of an article on some experimental work done here which will, I think, be of interest to you. The cost per analysis of carrying out this procedure is $12.50. Sincerely yours, N 6282