Abstract
The exposure to inorganic mercury of 642 workers from 21 chloralkali plants in the United States and Canada was measured throughout a study year, and compared to the findings of medical examinations, as well as blood and urinary mercury levels. Time-weighted average exposures to mercury ranged from near zero to 0.27 mg/m3, with approximately 85% of the group at or below 0.1 mg/m3, All comparisons were based on the strength of dose-response relationship, and significant findings were observed in those workers exposed to time-weighted average exposures in excess of 0.1 mg/m3. Most strongly related to excessive exposure were the symptoms of loss of appetite and weight loss, tremors, insomnia, and other indicators of early effects on the nervous system. No evidence of kidney damage or other organic injury was found.