Mercury poisoning is a serious concern for those of us who directly work with mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal with many adverse side effects for people and the environment, even in relatively small amounts. That is why mercury analyzers are useful for testing where health concerns exist; you likely use one in your own lab if you’re reading this.
Running a mercury analyzer is crucial for assessing the safety of many products and ensuring healthy levels in the environment. Cold vapor and combustion are both techniques used to release mercury to be detected in its vapor form, which is its most dangerous and readily adsorbed form. The mercury needs to be in this vapor form to be analyzed quantifiably and to separate it from other sample components. Without filtering the detector exhaust, all the analyzed mercury will be released and reach dangerous levels in the lab as it accumulates over time. That is why, to avoid danger to the environment and yourself, it is necessary to filter and trap during every run.
Activated carbon and permanganate traps or filters are the most common methods of mercury entrapment, and highly effective. Most mercury filters entrap the heavy metal. Like anything else, it can only hold so much and will eventually need replaced. Simple maintenance is very important to continued success and health.
You not only protect yourself and the environment by filtering your unit’s detector exhaust, but also help maintain a clean lab for consistent and uncontaminated results. An unfiltered exhaust can contaminate any sample opened to the air, such as a rinse bottle or nearby samples or sample preparation areas. This is especially important for ultra-trace testing.
Our hope is that by following your own safety procedures, including continued filtering of all analyzers to reduce mercury pollution, you can maintain a healthy environment for all.
For more information on Leeman Labs Mercury Analyzers or if you would like to someone to contact you - click the button below.
