RoHS/WEEE Element Mercury

Mercury (Hg)

Mercury (Hg) is a toxin that can easily be absorbed through contact via the skin or respiratory system, and Hg will accumulate in the bloodstream and eventually attack the central nervous system. These serious health issues have the driver behind the 2002/95/EC Directive to limit the maximum level of Hg at 1000 ppm.

Options for Testing and Measuring
XRF analyzers can be used as a quick, non destructive test method to ensure Hg free components.

• The NITON XLt field portable XRF can be used anywhere in your facility to quickly screen Hg levels
• The ARL QUANT'X is a robust laboratory XRF analyzer appropriate for any high throughput laboratory.
• The Thermo Scientific Micro XR is a sophisticated small spot XRF instrument which can be used to pinpoint sample measurement.

For low level measurement, more sensitive techniques are required, specifically AAS or ICP-OES. Either method yields precise results at the required RoHS limit levels; both require some sample preparation by digesting the sample prior to analysis to ensure homogeneity.

• Either the M or S series AAS instruments can be used to detect levels down to low ppm or ppb levels.
• The iCAP 6000 series ICP can be used for multiple element measurement, including Hg, with accuracy down to 1ppb.

Where is it used
Mercury (Hg) has historically been used in such devices as thermometers, barometers and other types of medical products, as well as automotive parts, batteries, and fluorescent lighting fixtures (to name a few things).