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Technical Bulletin: Directions for the reduction of mercury vapor
For use on all surfaces exposed to metallic mercury, mercury salts or materials containing mercury in any form. HgX® is particularly recommended for rough surfaces, such as concrete floors having cracks or crevices-wooden floors with open joints, etc.
Dry Method
Distribute 8 oz. of HgX® powder evenly over 100 sq. ft. of floor area to be treated. Brush or sweep HgX® lightly into all cracks and crevices, then spray, sprinkle or swab with water.
Wet Method
For the initial treatment add 1.5 pounds of HgX® slowly or sift into 5 gallons of water - do not dump. Subsequent applications may be reduced to 1 pound for each 5 gallons of water. HgX® solution should be milky. If clear, increase quantity. Apply with a sprayer, large whitewash brush or mop. Saturate surface thoroughly and allow to stand over night, preferably over holidays or weekends. Rinse-mop or sponge with clear water to remove residual HgX®, if necessary.
We suggest washing or generous spraying of all floors and wall surfaces every two weeks in operating areas with HgX® which will provide a coating or film on metallic mercury or reduce to non-vaporizing form. HgX® will also react with various Mercury compounds and materially reduce mercury contaminated air from such sources.
For regular sweeping, we suggest saturating ordinary sawdust with HgX® solution as described herein. You will reduce the dust hazard and treat the area at the same time.
Closed System Method
To decontaminate closed systems which cannot be treated practically by the wet method outlined above, fill the system with HgX® solution (1.5 pounds in 5 gallons of water) and agitate or circulate the solution for several hours. Drop the solution and flush thoroughly with clear water. Repeat if necessary.
Due to the variations in the water supply in certain areas the quantity of HgX® may require some adjustment. If the water, after adding the recommended quantity of HgX®, does not turn milky (white) within 15 minutes or half hour, add additional HgX® until it does. The solution upon standing several hours (overnight) will turn clear but retain its efficacy. The precipitation on the bottom of the container is merely the excess above saturation.
CAUTION: Be sure to properly ventilate all areas suspected of mercury contamination. Continue adequate ventilation during decontamination procedures until mercury vapor concentration is lowered to acceptable levels. HgX® Powder and HgX® Solution may cause corrosion to some metals. Clean all treated metal surfaces with clear water and dry thoroughly. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing. Use rubber gloves. Do not mix HgX® with other cleaning agents or any other materials. Use cold tap water to make up solutions.
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