Some Antiques May Contain a Dangerous Surprise, Elemental Mercury Releases

While antiquing is generally considered a safe hobby compared to, say, skydiving, collectors may inadvertently expose themselves to dangerous substances without realizing it.

One hazardous substance encountered in antiques is mercury. Short term exposure to the silvery liquid can cause a suite of symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and lung damage, while long-term exposure can cause brain and kidney damage. The developing nervous systems of children and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to mercury exposure. For these reasons, some states have restricted the sale of items containing mercury.

While it is common knowledge that old barometers and thermometers contain mercury, a report recently released by the CDC states that mercury was also historically used in the manufacture of many other household items. An amalgam of tin and mercury was once used as a backing for mirrors, and nowadays it is possible to find tiny beads of mercury collected at the bottom of such mirrors. Vials of mercury were used in the pendulums of clocks; larger amounts were contained in the bases of lamps to lend stability. The fragility of many antiques and their mercury-containing parts makes the danger of exposure very real for those transporting or handling these antiques.

The CDC provides guidelines for how owners of antiques containing mercury can protect themselves from exposure. First, owners should inspect items for broken seals or leaks, and if possible, remove components containing mercury. Disposal of the substance is tightly regulated, so it is important to contact health or hazardous waste authorities to determine what guidelines are for throwing away mercury in your area. Owners should only move mercury-containing items when they do so slowly and safely. To contain any potential spill, items should only be transported in leak-proof containers. Small amounts of mercury can be cleaned up by owners, but EPA policy states that cleanup of amounts larger than that contained in a mercury thermometer must be carried out by professionals.

It is worth mentioning that one of the worst things one can do to a mercury spill is attempt to vacuum it up. A case report included in the CDC report tells the story of a store employee who broke the pendulum of an antique clock and attempted to vacuum up the mercury that was released. Vacuuming heats up and vaporizes mercury, increasing levels of the toxic substance in the air. The vacuum was disposed of as hazardous waste, and the spill had to be cleaned up by a Hazmat team.

References:

CDC, "Elemental Mercury Releases Attributed to Antiques--New York, 2000-2006."
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5623a2.htm

EPA, "Spills, Disposal, and Site Cleanup." (EPA Mercury cleanup guidelines and recommendations)
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm