At the same time, the ESF continued to reduce chemical waste through the UVM ChemSource program, a chemical and safety supply distribution program for the campus. Benefits of Reducing Mercury Use Reducing Societal Exposure UVM wanted to reduce its use of mercury, not only to protect its own personnel and reduce costs, but also to reduce the prevalence of mercury in our society. Mercury compounds have been used throughout history to chase away evil spirits, change base metals into gold, and as medicine. But the usefulness of mercury is limited by its poisonous nature. Acute mercury poisoning results from the ingestion of soluble mercury salts which corrode skin and mucous membranes.
Mercury vapor aspirated into the lungs can cause severe pneumonia and death.
Chronic mercury poisoning occurs through the regular absorption of small amounts of mercury. This condition is often a disease of workers in mercury mines, laboratories, and industries that use mercury. Organic mercury compounds, such as dimethyl mercury, are among the most dangerous. Reducing Laboratory Exposure Reducing mercury exposure in laboratories was, and continues to be, the primary reason for the Mercury Thermometer Exchange. Mercury vapors are colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic.