Criteria for a recommended standard occupational exposure to inorganic mercury. I. Recommendations for an inorganic mercury standard

The Criteria Document for an Inorganic Mercury Standard is reviewed. Sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 of Part 1 (Recommendations for an Inorganic Mercury Standard) and the whole of Part V (Development of Standard) are reproduced here. Of the occupational hazards currently under consideration by OSHA and NIOSH, that involving mercury is one of the most concern to industrial workers, management and to the environmentalists and the population at large. The purported purpose of this document is to provide valid criteria from which an effective standard can be deduced. This standard should protect the health and safety of exposed workers yet, according to OSHA rules, be attainable with existing technology. The standard should entail the most appropriate medical examinations, monitoring programs, work practices, and other protective mechanisms which are technologically possible. A critical commentary is included.