Does Elemental Mercury Exist in the Workplace?

Elemental mercury can exist at sites undergoing decontamination and decommissioning operations from instruments containing mercury, mercury vacuum pumps, chemical operations, electrical components, and pharmaceutical production. Elemental mercury has been known to be a severe health hazard. Recent studies, utilizing more sensitive methods, are able to detect subclinical effects from mercury exposure at lower concentrations than in past studies. Precautions must be taken if elemental mercury may be present in the workplace.