In general it is rare that an oilfield will contain mercury at high enough concentrations that will bring workers into contact with harmful amounts of mercury; however in some cases this can happen during the processing of the oil and gas.
Mercury can be absorbed by inhalation, through the skin, and if swallowed through digestion. Its volatility combined with lack of smell makes Hg very dangerous
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit on drinking water is 2 µg/L (ppb). Acceptable levels in workspace air for the UK are 0.05 mg/m3.
It is not uncommon to have specifications for propane and butane of 0.005 mg/m3 and natural sales gas specifications may be as low as 0.00001 mg/m3.
Mercury and Occupational Health
In general it is rare that an oilfield will contain mercury at high enough concentrations that will bring workers into contact with harmful amounts of mercury; however in some cases this can happen during the processing of the oil and gas.
Mercury can be absorbed by inhalation, through the skin, and if swallowed through digestion. Its volatility combined with lack of smell makes Hg very dangerous
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit on drinking water is 2 µg/L (ppb). Acceptable levels in workspace air for the UK are 0.05 mg/m3.
It is not uncommon to have specifications for propane and butane of 0.005 mg/m3 and natural sales gas specifications may be as low as 0.00001 mg/m3.