Mercury Laboratory Testing Services

South Portland, ME, July 9^th, 2020

 

Earlier this year, a mercury spill at a postal service center in Maine caused a temporary disruption and isolation of a part of the facility. Workers were tested for exposure and environmental professionals began remediation procedures to remove the hazard.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds and organic mercury compounds. Pure mercury is a liquid metal that volatilizes readily, often referred to as quicksilver.

In the past, mercury was used to make products like thermometers, switches and some light bulbs. The spill in Maine was linked to an old barometer that contained the metal and broke in transit. Some water-based paints even used mercury as a preservative until its use was discontinued in the early 1990s. There are also homes that were built prior to 1968 that still have mercury-containing gas pressure regulators. Most of the devices were manufactured and installed in the 1940s and 1950s, but some were manufactured and installed as late as 1967.

“When a mercury spill occurs, experienced professionals should be involved to ensure that the level of contamination is identified and is then properly remediated to ensure there is no longer a threat to building occupants,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Environmental testing for mercury provides the information needed to identify, document and verify environmental conditions are once again safe for building occupants.”

To help in these efforts, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers mercury and other heavy metal testing services. They provide all of the sampling supplies needed and have even sponsored an educational video about mercury exposure and health effects. The video can be seen at: http://youtu.be/QVu5js60PWI.

To learn more about mercury or other environmental, material, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.