van Netten C, Teschke K E
University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Vancouver.
Environ Res. 1988 Feb;45(1):48-57. doi: 10.1016/s0013-9351(88)80006-9.
It is common practice for lighthouses with large Fresnel lenses to use mercury baths as a low-friction rotation mechanism. Some recent acute mercury poisonings and incidents of abnormal behavior in lighthouse keepers have drawn attention to the potential for chronic mercury poisoning in these workplaces. This study evaluated the distribution of mercury in a lighthouse on the Canadian west coast, and the exposure of its keepers and their spouses under two weather conditions. The urine mercury levels found in the lighthouse personnel were all less than would be expected in an occupationally exposed group (less than 4 micrograms/24 hr urine). Air concentrations in the lighthouse ranged from 4.4 to 26.3 micrograms/m3. Swabbing showed considerable accumulation of mercury on surfaces in the area of the light rotation mechanism, as well as transport throughout the lighthouse. The mercury levels in this lighthouse appeared to be under control through effective convective ventilation and employee awareness. The study signals potential problems where precautions have not been taken, especially in situations where the keepers and their families live in the lighthouse.
对于配备大型菲涅耳透镜的灯塔而言，使用汞槽作为低摩擦旋转机制是常见做法。近期一些灯塔看守人急性汞中毒及行为异常事件引发了人们对这些工作场所慢性汞中毒可能性的关注。本研究评估了加拿大西海岸一座灯塔内汞的分布情况，以及在两种天气条件下灯塔看守人及其配偶的暴露情况。灯塔工作人员的尿汞水平均低于职业暴露人群预期水平（低于4微克/24小时尿液）。灯塔内空气浓度范围为4.4至26.3微克/立方米。擦拭显示，在灯光旋转机制区域的表面有大量汞积累，并且汞在整个灯塔内扩散。通过有效的对流通风和员工意识，该灯塔的汞水平似乎得到了控制。该研究表明，在未采取预防措施的地方存在潜在问题，尤其是在看守人及其家人居住在灯塔内的情况下。
