Occupational Mercury Exposure at a Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Facility — Wisconsin, 2017

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? The risk for mercury exposure from manufacture of fluorescent lights has been known for many years; risks for exposure from recycling are not well documented. What is added by this report? An investigation of environmental contamination at a fluores­cent light recycling facility in Wisconsin in 2017 found elevated mercury levels among five of seven workers and clinical signs of mercury toxicity in two. Use of personal protective equipment was inconsistent, and mercury levels for inside air exceeded recommended thresholds. What are the implications for public health practice? Employers at fluorescent light recycling facilities need to implement control technology, housekeeping, and exposure monitoring, and provide recommended PPE and training to their workers to reduce mercury exposures at their facilities.