Environmental toxicology on metallic mercury spill: A case in the versatile estrie and the steps to a successful decontamination

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

13 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

04/29/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Ecology & environment

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Summary :

Summary.
Introduction
Biological monitoring
Monitoring of cases where exposure was moderate to high
Followed by the versatile
Discussion
Conclusion
Reference

Abstract

In October 1996, the directions of public health in the Eastern Townships (estrie-DSP) and a multipurpose area that have requested the collaboration of the Center for toxicology of Quebec (CTQ) to the management of mercury spill metal in a class-chemistry laboratory. During our first intervention, we found that the floor area of this class (~ 100 m) was covered with fine droplets of mercury. The sink drains, edges of walls and tables of the laboratory and some cabinets were heavily contaminated by mercury. Continuing our investigation, we found that the classes in physics and biology, space science technician and the corridor leading access to these premises, the ventilation system of the multi-trap some students and two homes were also contaminated. By working closely with management, the health service, the service of cleaning, the technician and the Science of apprentice versatile, family physicians, the DSP-estrie Center and Anti-Poison of Quebec ( CAPQ), the CTQ has been managing the decontamination and monitoring part of the event. By combining the measurements of total mercury in biological media (urine, blood and hair) of metallic mercury in air and total mercury in airborne dust, we quickly assessed the seriousness of cases. The turning point of our intervention was the timeliness of decontamination primary and secondary classes problematic, the corridor leading to these classes and some lockers of students. The work done in less than two days, combined with the speed of the Laboratory of toxicology of Quebec to provide the results in biological environment have restricted any panic among the people involved (parents, teachers, teenagers, director of education, etc.).