[Elecraft] OT mercury

[Ken Alexander]

A few records need to be set straight here:

> > From: kt5x at cybermesa.com> To:
> k.alexander at rogers.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2007 09:13:12 -0600> CC: >
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT mercury> > metallic mercury
> rolled around in your hand is not absorbed through
> the skin.

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on mercury says
"Skin absorption is a significant route of potential
over-exposure to Mercury..."  It's not the principle
route of entry.  Inhalation of mercury vapour, which
is given off at room temperature, is the principle
means.

> I don't know, not about to try it, but I
> think it would just come out the other end if you
> ate it.

Oral ingestion (according to the MSDS) is said not to
be a significant route of occupational over-exposure,
but if ingested it does cause severe gastro-intestinal
damage as well as kidney damage.  Glad you're not
going to try eating any.

> Where is mercury found? In rocks. (Specifically
> bauxite).

Bauxite is the principle ore of Aluminum.  If there's
any Mercury in Bauxite it's there in trace amounts as
an impurity.  Cinnabar is the principle ore of
Mercury.  Cinnabar's a mineral, Mercury Sulphide.

73 - Ken