What Is Safe?

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Understanding Mercury Exposure and Why It Matters

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin. Even in small amounts, long-term exposure can lead to serious health consequences — especially when inhaled or absorbed without symptoms being immediately obvious.

In the UK, urinary mercury levels are typically considered safe below 5 µg/g creatinine (micrograms per gram of creatinine). Levels above this may indicate elevated or chronic exposure, particularly for those working in environments with mercury vapour, such as dental practices or crematoria.

Even levels between 2–5 µg/g may warrant monitoring, especially in vulnerable individuals such as pregnant staff.

At CES Testing, all samples are sent to accredited analytical laboratories for certified lab testing, ensuring reliable, professional results you can act on.

You may be exposed to mercury without realising it — even if your workplace is clean and well managed. Some common sources of exposure include:

In Dental Practices:

• Removal or polishing of old amalgam fillings
   
• Amalgam spills or residue in surgery or suction lines
   
• Poorly ventilated sterilisation or decontamination rooms
   
• Inadequate amalgam separator maintenance
   

In Crematoria:

• Mercury vapour released during the cremation of individuals with amalgam fillings
   
• Handling of ash or furnace maintenance without adequate PPE or ventilation
   
• Long shifts in poorly ventilated areas
   

Other Common Routes:

• Contaminated tools or surfaces
   
• Vapour inhalation from high-speed drilling or insufficient filtration
   
• Expired or inadequate PPE
   

CES Testing works in partnership with leading environmental testing labs to deliver accessible mercury monitoring solutions for workplaces of all sizes.

Mercury builds up in the body over time. Symptoms often develop slowly and may go unnoticed until damage has already occurred. Regular urine-based lab testing is a non-invasive, effective way to catch elevated levels early.

Routine testing can help you:

• Demonstrate commitment to staff safety
   
• Detect exposure before symptoms appear
   
• Maintain COSHH and HSE compliance
   
• Support risk assessments for vulnerable employees
   
• Document safety measures for inspections or insurers
   

The signs of mercury exposure can be vague or mistaken for other conditions. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
   
• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
   
• Poor concentration or memory problems
   
• Headaches
   
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
   
• A metallic taste in the mouth
   
• Hand tremors
   
• Kidney discomfort or changes in urination
   

Left unchecked, mercury toxicity can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and immune function.

If your team is working in an environment where mercury is present, testing isn’t just responsible — it’s essential. CES Testing provides the tools, guidance, and certified results you need to manage exposure with confidence.