Characterization of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists in sediments of Wenyu River, Beijing, China

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonistic (Ah-agonistic) effects of 23 sediments from Wenyu River in Beijing, China were evaluated using the H4IIE cell bioassay. Five samples were selected for chemical analysis of most concerned Ah-agonists, i.e. polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). All raw sediment extracts induced significant Ah-agonistic effects, and the bioassay-derived 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) equivalents of raw extracts (TEQ_raws) ranged from 8.5 to 336.0 pg/g dry weight (dw). Chemical analysis-derived TEQs (TEQ_chems) ranged from 20.5 to 64.8 pg/g dw. When raw extracts were purified by sulphuric acid silica gel column to derive acid stable fraction, the TCDD equivalents in this fraction (TEQ_stables) ranged from 2.7 to 63.8 pg/g dw. PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs contributed about 51.4-72.1%, 1.2-7.3%, and 16.4-34.8% of TEQ_stables, respectively, and the sum was 69.1-108.6%. Therefore, about 65.0% of TEQ_raws could be attributed to acid labile fraction and only 3.3-9.6% to PAHs. These observations suggested that acid stable fraction and labile fraction contributed together to total Ah-agonistic effects in the sediments, and PCBs and PCDFs might be the two main components in acid stable Ah-agonists. The proposed approach using both H4IIE cell bioassay and chemical analysis could be used for characterization and prioritization of Ah-agonists in river sediments and helpful to the following progression of ecological remediation.     

The determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in treated wastewater

A procedure has been developed for the determination of low levels (parts-per-trillion) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in treated wastewater. A combination of cleanup steps on silica, alumina, and reactant modified adsorbents yields a relatively interference-free residue when examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitor (SIM) mode of operation.     

Relationship between persistent halogenated organic contaminants and TCDD-toxic equivalents on EROD activity and retinoid and thyroid hormone status in northern fulmars

We investigated whether the hepatic cytochrome P450 1A activity (measured as 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD)) and plasma thyroid hormone and liver retinoid concentrations were explained by liver and blood levels of halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) in free-ranging breeding northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Bjørnøya in the Norwegian Arctic. Hepatic EROD activity and liver levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) were positively correlated, suggesting that hepatic EROD activity is a good indicator for dioxin and dioxin-like HOC exposure in breeding northern fulmars. There were not found other strong relationships between HOC concentrations and hepatic EROD activity, plasma thyroid or liver retinoid concentrations in the breeding northern fulmars. It is suggested that the HOC levels found in the breeding northern fulmars sampled on Bjørnøya were too low to affect plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones and liver levels of retinol and retinyl palmitate, and that hepatic EROD activity is a poor indicator of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and pesticide exposure.     

Microbial UV fluence-response assessment using a novel UV-LED collimated beam system

A research study has been performed to determine the ultraviolet (UV) fluence-response of several target non-pathogenic microorganisms to UV light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) by performing collimated beam tests. UV-LEDs do not contain toxic mercury, offer design flexibility due to their small size, and have a longer operational life than mercury lamps. Comsol Multiphysics was utilized to create an optimal UV-LED collimated beam design based on number and spacing of UV-LEDs and distance of the sample from the light source while minimizing the overall cost. The optimized UV-LED collimated beam apparatus and a low-pressure mercury lamp collimated beam apparatus were used to determine the UV fluence-response of three surrogate microorganisms (Escherichia coli, MS-2, T7) to 255 nm UV-LEDs, 275 nm UV-LEDs, and 254 nm low-pressure mercury lamps. Irradiation by low-pressure mercury lamps produced greater E. coli and MS-2 inactivation than 255 nm and 275 nm UV-LEDs and similar T7 inactivation to irradiation by 275 nm UV-LEDs. The 275 nm UV-LEDs produced more efficient T7 and E. coli inactivation than 255 nm UV-LEDs while both 255 nm and 275 nm UV-LEDs produced comparable microbial inactivation for MS-2. Differences may have been caused by a departure from the time-dose reciprocity law due to microbial repair mechanisms.     

Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on early life stages of the pike (Esox lucius L.)

Freshly fertilized pike eggs were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 ppt (ng/liter) for 96 hours. At all concentrations examined egg development was retarded by 23%, and the growth of fry was also significantly retarded for a long period after exposure. A dose-related mortality was observed. Highest mortality rates occurred during resorption of the yolk and reached almost 100 percent at a concentration of 10 ppt. Death was preceded by development of severe generalized edemas.Histopathologically edemas and hemorrhages were observed, together with alterations of bloodvessel walls. In the liver, two stages of pathological changes were distinguished. The first was characterized by a dilation of sinusoids and a slight swelling of hepatocyte nuclei; in the second stage the nuclei were enlarged up to twice the normal diameter. Hepatocytes were degenerated and varied in size and shape and liver architecture was a almost completely lost.     

A microarray data analysis method to evaluate the impact of contaminants on wild animals

Here we propose a novel microarray data analysis method applicable to evaluation of the chemical effects on wild animals. First, we analyzed correlations between log-transformed hepatic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels and probe signals detected in wild cormorant liver to screen contaminant-responsive genes. Second, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted using the screened probes. Third, these probes were divided into two groups based on our PCA result. Finally, we calculated Euclidian distance of signals, which is equivalent to variance of gene expressions, in each probe set, and analyzed the relationship between log-transformed hepatic TEQ levels and Euclidian distances. A probe set whereby the calculated Euclidian distance was positively correlated with TEQ levels, could indicate genes that were directly affected by dioxins or other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), hence they can be used as biomarkers. By contrast, there were a number of probes whereby the Euclidian distance was negatively correlated with TEQ levels. In the latter probe group, the smaller Euclidian distances in highly contaminated individuals could point to changes in physiological activities of wild cormorants. Therefore, our microarray data analysis method will provide new insights into POPs-responsive genes in field-collected samples for toxicogenomics studies.     

Swelling properties and coefficient of permeability of friction-reducing polymer for pull-out of temporary sheet piles

Harmful cracks and settlements occur after the pull-out removal of temporary sheet piles. This is because a large amount of soil is discharged from the ground due to the significant skin friction at the steel surface. In order to prevent these cracks and settlement problems, a friction-reducing polymer was developed. After a sheet pile coated with the polymer is installed into the ground; the polymer absorbs ground water and transforms to a swollen gel layer which separates the soil and the sheet piles. In this investigation, a newly designed column type test apparatus was used to simulate ground conditions. The swelling test was carried out, followed by a continuous permeability test. Based on the obtained test results, the swelling properties and coefficient of permeability of the friction-reducing polymer in the ground were determined. The main conclusions are as follows. The values of the water-absorbing ratio, Ra_max, decrease with increasing earth pressure, p′, independent of the pore water pressure, u. Equations to determine the values of Ra_max are proposed as functions of p′ only. The maximum swelling pressure, at which the friction-reducing polymer cannot absorb water and swell, is p′_max?=?560?kPa. Even at a depth of approximately 100?m, the polymer absorbs ground water, and the swollen gel layer forms. The approximate range of coefficient of permeability, k, of the swollen gel layer is 10^?13–10^?11 m/s; these are extremely small values. The swollen gel can be considered an impermeable material. Depth distributions of the thickness and the coefficient of permeability of the swollen gel layer are illustrated in practical charts, based on the test results.     

Variability of Physical and Consolidation Test Results for Relatively Uniform Clay Samples Retrieved from Osaka Bay

Samples collected from both Holocene and Pleistocene layers in Osaka Bay were examined in this study. The objective of this study is to evaluate variations of soil parameters in a sample length of about one meter. The retrieved samples from EL. (elevation) -37.5 to -38.5 m and from EL.-125.5 to -126.5 m with a length of about one meter were divided into every 25 mm long to trim consolidation specimens. Variations of soil parameters obtained from laboratory tests were evaluated. Clay microfabric was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The clay layers are relatively homogeneous with variation coefficient CV in a range of 0.025 to 0.12 for the consolidation parameters (e, p′_c, C_c and c_v). CV of void ratio e is only 0.025 to 0.056. In contrast, CV values of the other consolidation parameters are significantly greater than this, but the average is less than 0.1. It can be concluded that CV of soil consolidation parameters for the homogeneous natural clay deposits dealt in this study is less than about 0.1. These variations are mainly influenced by sedimentary environment. Even the soil is said to be homogeneous, because the specimen size for the laboratory tests is sufficiently large in consideration of microscopic heterogeneity obtained from SEM and MIP.     

Mercury contamination in the vicinity of a chlor-alkali plant and potential risks to local population

A mercury-cell chlor-alkali plant operated in Estarreja (North-western Portugal) for 50 years causing widespread environmental contamination. Although production by this process ceased in 2002, mercury contamination from the plant remains significant. The main objective of this study was to investigate mercury impact on the nearby environment and potential risks to local population. To assess the level of contamination soil samples were collected from agricultural fields in the vicinity of the plant, extending the study by taking samples of the predominant vegetation suitable for animal and human consumption, water samples, and fish species from a nearby coastal lagoon, to gain a preliminary insight into the potential for contamination of the terrestrial and aquatic food web. To determine population exposure to mercury, hair samples were collected from local residents. Total mercury concentration in the 0-15 cm layer of soil was found to be highly variable, ranging between 0.010 and 91 mg kg^− 1, although mercury contamination of soils was found to be restricted to a confined area. Lolium perenne roots contained between 0.0070 and 2.0 mg kg^− 1, and there is evidence that root systems uptake mercury from the soil. Levels of mercury in the aerial parts of plants ranged between 0.018 and 0.98 mg kg^− 1. It appears that plants with higher mercury concentration in soils and roots also display higher mercury concentration in leaves.Total mercury concentration in water samples ranged between 12 and 846 ng L^− 1, all samples presenting concentrations below the maximum level allowable for drinking water defined in the Portuguese law (1.0 μg L^− 1).Mercury levels in fish samples were below the maximum limit defined in the Portuguese law (0.5 mg kg^− 1), ranging from 0.0040 to 0.24 mg kg^− 1. Vegetables collected presented maximum mercury concentration of 0.17 mg kg^− 1. In general, food is not contaminated and should not be responsible for major human exposure to the metal.Mercury determined in human hair samples (0.090-4.2 mg kg^− 1; mean 1.5 mg kg^− 1) can be considered within normal limits, according to WHO guidelines suggesting that it is not affecting the local population. Despite being subject to decades of mercury emissions, nowadays this pollutant is only found in limited small areas and must not constitute a risk for human health, should these areas be restricted and monitored.Considering the present data, it appears that the population from Estarreja is currently not being affected by mercury levels that still remain in the environment.     

Undrained Shear Strength of Cement-Treated Soils

In order to evaluate the effects of cementation on the mechanical properties of cement-treated soil, a series of isotropic consolidation and undrained triaxial compression shear tests were performed for cement-treated specimens of Ariake clay, Akita sand, Rokko Masado and Toyoura sand. This paper evaluates factors affecting the shear strength of these cement-treated soils. The following conclusions are obtained: 1) Cement-treated soil has a normally consolidated line in e-ln p' space which depends on the mixing cement content. The consolidation yield stress, p'_y, of cement-treated soil increases with increasing cement content and initial specimen density. 2) Changes in cohesive strength due to cement-treatment can be represented by a tensile effective stress, p'_r. Strength properties can then be normalized by the augmented consolidation stress, (p'_c+p'_r). 3) The shear strength properties of quasi-overconsolidated clay can be represented by the yield stress ratio, R=(p'_y+p'_r)/(p'_c+p'_r). 4) The undrained shear strength of cement-treated soils can be represented as a power law relation of the yield stress ratio, R, and the augmented consolidation stress.     

Deducing Pile Responses and Soil Reactions from Inclinometer Data of a Lateral Load Test

This paper presents a regressive model to deduce the internal forces and soil reactions of a laterally loaded test pile from the data of inclinometer measurements. This model simulates the distribution of bending moments of the pile by using a composite function of which the upper part is modeled by a polynomial and the lower part is modeled by the characteristic function of an analytical solution for a semi-infinite pile supported by uniform Winkler soil springs. Through successive regressive analyses, the optimal composite function obtained can effectively simulate the pile responses including the deflections, bending moments, shear forces, and the associated soil reactions. For verification, both the solution of a finite element analysis and the results of an in-situ load test have been adopted and the results of regressive analyses can satisfactorily obtain the pile responses. In addition, on the basis of curves of pile deflection and soil reaction deduced from the results of the pile test, a set of site-specific p-y curves can thus be established. Finally, a parametric study has shown that accurate estimate of moment-curvature relationship of a pile section is essential to the accuracy of the deduced pile internal forces, soil reactions, and p-y curves.     

Yielding and Flow Liquefaction of Loose Sand

The relationship between the shapes of the yield surface and the undrained effective stress path (UESP) of loose sand is investigated for triaxial loading conditions. It is shown that the UESP can be used in the construction of capped yield surfaces for sands. The stress ratio M_p, measured at a point where the UESP of loose sand reaches a peak, has been incorporated as a material parameter in the analytical relationship by which the yield surface is defined. The variations of M_p with void ratio, state parameter, and consolidation stresses are examined and compared with previous studies, in cases where such studies exist. It is shown that M_p is strongly influenced by soil dilatancy and anisotropy and its variation is remarkably consistent with the variation of soil strength and yielding stresses. Quantitative relationships for the variations of M_p are then introduced; these have been used elsewhere in constructing yield surfaces and modeling the constitutive behavior of sands. In addition to their use in modeling sand behavior, the yield surfaces and quantitative variations of M_p obtained here can be used in quantitative assessments of the susceptibility of loose sandy soils to flow liquefaction.     

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticide in pet cats and dogs: Assessment of toxicological status

PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the adipose tissue of cats and dogs from Southern Italy. In cats p,p′-DDE was the most abundant DDT component (95.0%), while in dogs these compounds were absent, except in two specimens. PCB concentrations were higher in cats (199.02 ng g^− 1 lipid weight) than in dogs (41.61 ng g^− 1 lipid weight). Also there were inter-specific differences in the contribution of the different congeners to PCBs, although PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were the most representative congeners in both species. Animals from one location, Taranto City, had significantly elevated concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs compared to the other locations. Consequently the estimated mean 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs were higher in these animals (cats: 0.65 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs 0.29 pg g^− 1 lipid weight) than in the other ones (cats: 0.12 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs: 0.001 pg g^− 1 lipid weight).     

Mechanisms of quasi-preconsolidation stress development in clays: A rheological model

This paper deals with the development of a mechanistic model for the ageing consolidation behavior of clays with the focus on aspects related to the development of quasi-preconsolidation pressure. The initial use of such pressure in design met with criticism, but field and laboratory evidence, which highlights its significance, continues to accumulate. A nonlinear rheological model is used to numerically simulate the consolidation process of clay in laboratory tests and to identify the basic mechanical parameters that contribute to the development of the quasi-preconsolidation phenomenon. Methods to identify the parameters of the model from oedometer tests are described. It is shown that while the variation in soil modulus can be characterized by a linear form in the virgin compression region, it is nonlinear in the recompression region and is best characterized by a hyperbolic function. Changes to the modulus in the recompression region, due to ageing, is shown to be the dominant cause of the development of the quasi-p_c phenomenon. Observed results as well as numerical simulations demonstrate that specimens that had aged longer show increased quasi-p_c values. While the variation in soil modulus controls the EOP curve of clays, the observed time effects, such as the “vanishing p_c” phenomenon, are controlled primarily by changes in soil viscosity. However, this has no bearing on the development of the quasi-p_c phenomenon.     

体育建筑非空调区照明与间歇运行对分层空调负荷影响的分析

传统分层空调负荷计算方法的辐射热转移负荷仅考虑非空调区高温壁面对空调区低温壁面辐射引起的负荷,并未考虑非空调区照明设备与空调区之间的辐射热转移负荷,而将非空调区照明得热形成的负荷全数作为非空调区空气得热。为研究非空调区照明设备与空调区之间的辐射热转移后对热转移负荷的影响,以某体育中心比赛大厅为研究对象,在现行大空间分层空调负荷计算方法的基础上,将非空调区照明负荷假想成比赛区非空调区上空一均匀面热源,假定照明灯具均带不透明的灯罩,并近似认为不影响室内气流流动。根据面热源辐射散热比例,通过计算该面热源与空调区地板之间的辐射量并附加一定的修正系数(取1.3)得到空调区辐射热转移量。同时,考虑到体育馆经常为间歇性运行工况,为研究间歇性运行工况与连续性运行工况之间的差别,对研究对象进行了相关调查研究,假想设定了一些通常存在的间歇性工况并基于间歇运行工况进行了照明辐射散热对负荷的影响。研究非空调区照明向空调区转移的辐射热转移负荷发现:在非空调区,与不考虑照明辐射散热相比,考虑非空调区照明总散热中辐射散热占比为50%时,间歇运行对流和辐射总热转移负荷增加了8.8%;考虑照明总散热中辐射散热占比为0%~100%时,间歇运行对流和辐射总热转移负荷增加了0.0%~19.0%。通过分析体育建筑运行及其空调负荷构成特点,提出了针对体育馆间歇运行特征的分层空调负荷计算方法。由论文设定的间歇运行工况计算得出间歇运行负荷是连续运行的92.3%。同时,还得到间歇运行时重型建筑分层空调负荷是轻型建筑的93.3%等结论。     

Predicting deformation of PVD improved deposit under vacuum and surcharge loads

A series of modified triaxial tests was conducted to investigate the deformation characteristics of mini-prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) unit cells. The factors considered are the (1) magnitudes of surcharge load (p_s) and vacuum pressure (p_vac); (2) pre-vacuum consolidation period (t_va) before applying surcharge load; (3) surcharge loading rate (SLR); and (4) initial effective stress state in the specimens. Based on the test results, relationships between the coefficient of earth pressure (K_es) at the end of surcharge load application and the normalized horizontal and vertical specimen strains are established. Further, a method is proposed for estimating the value of K_es, and therefore the horizontal and vertical strains of the PVD improved soil layer subjected to combined vacuum pressure and surcharge load using loading conditions and basic soil properties. Finally, the proposed method was applied to a case history reported in the literature and good agreement between the field-measured and calculated lateral displacement and settlement was obtained, which suggesting that the proposed method can be a useful tool for designing preloading projects involving combined vacuum and surcharge loads.     

Influence of pH-dependent sorption and transformation on simulated pesticide leaching

The leaching of a substance is influenced by its physico-chemical characteristics as well as environmental conditions. In spatially distributed modelling the influence of soil properties on the half-life and the sorption constant of the substance might become important and can be taken into account. The GeoPEARL model includes options to account for sorption and transformation being dependent on soil characteristics.Using some of these options in calculations for a herbicide with both sorption and transformation dependent on the pH of the soil, the calculated leaching from an application in spring appeared to be higher than anticipated from calculations according to the so-called paired parameter approach, in which the leaching is assessed for pairs of sorption and transformation parameters at regular pH intervals. The reason for the higher leaching was that the most critical leaching conditions were not covered by the selected pH values. A ‘paired approach’ might however be useful as a first tier assessment of the leaching potential. The maximum leaching is expected with the highest DegT₅₀/K_om ratio, which might be obtained from plotting this ratio against the characteristic soil property.The leaching potential of the parent was more important for the leaching of the metabolite than the leaching potential of the metabolite itself. This should be accounted for in the evaluation procedure.     

Modelling of mercury emissions from background soils

Emissions of volatile mercury species from natural soils are believed to be a significant contributor to the atmospheric burden of mercury, but only order-of-magnitude estimates of emissions from these sources are available. The scaling-up of mercury flux measurements to regional or global scales is confounded by a limited understanding of the physical, chemical and biochemical processes that occur in the soil, a complex environmental matrix. This study is a first step toward the development of an air-surface exchange model for mercury (known as the mercury emission model (MEM)). The objective of the study is to model the partitioning and movement of inorganic Hg(II) and Hg(0) in open field soils, and to use MEM to interpret published data on mercury emissions to the atmosphere. MEM is a multi-layered, dynamic finite-element soil and atmospheric surface-layer model that simulates the exchange of heat, moisture and mercury between soils and the atmosphere. The model includes a simple formulation of the reduction of inorganic Hg(II) to Hg(0). Good agreement was found between the meteorological dependence of observed mercury emission fluxes, and hourly modelled fluxes, and it is concluded that MEM is able to simulate well the soil and atmospheric processes influencing the emission of Hg(0) to the atmosphere. The heretofore unexplained close correlation between soil temperature and mercury emission flux is fully modelled by MEM and is attributed to the temperature dependence of the Hg(0) Henry's Law coefficient and the control of the volumetric soil-air fraction on the diffusion of Hg(0) near the surface. The observed correlation between solar radiation intensity and mercury flux, appears in part to be due to the surface-energy balance between radiation, and sensible and latent heat fluxes which determines the soil temperature. The modelled results imply that empirical correlations that are based only on flux chamber data, may not extend to the open atmosphere for all weather scenarios.     

Some local environmental effects on mercury emission and absorption at a soil surface

The purpose of this study was to quantify effects of some local environmental variables on the soil surface exchanges of total gaseous mercury (TGM), under controlled conditions. A dynamic flux chamber with a Tekran mercury analyzer was used to quantify TGM emissions from, and absorption by, a clean, fine sandy loam soil with very low mercury content inside of a building and in a low TGM environment, outside. Simultaneous measurements of mercury flux, air and soil temperatures, ozone concentration, humidity, soil moisture and solar radiation were made. Controlled applications of water were made to change soil H2O content and measure the response of mercury flux. Air-soil exchanges were highly dependent on soil temperature (r2 = 0.78) and the mercury concentration gradient between the TGM in the soil pores and the ambient TGM above the soil surface (r2 = 0.98 for absorption and r2 = 0.408 for emissions). Correlations with air temperature and ozone levels are explained by the relationships of these variables with soil temperature. No detectable correlation was found with solar radiation or humidity. Wet soil maintained higher rates of soil TGM emission and decreased soil absorption. Emissions increased with increasing soil H2O, peaked at approximately field capacity, and then decreased slightly until saturation.     

Estimating human indoor exposure to elemental mercury from broken compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)

The 2008 EU regulation, which prohibits conventional incandescent light bulbs, is to be implemented in phases, completing in 2012. One of the possible substitutes is the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), which, however, does contain up to 5 mg of mercury in its elemental or amalgamated form. The question arises as to the possible exposure of individuals to mercury as a result of lamp breakage during operation or when disconnected from the power supply. Therefore, an apparatus was built to shatter CFLs and drop the shards onto glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, a carpeted floor, or laminate floor under defined climatic parameters and operating conditions. Six CFLs of different types and mercury content were studied. After the breakage of a common CFL containing liquid mercury, concentrations up to 8000 ng/m(3) were reached in the chamber. Much lower peak values were obtained with amalgam-type lamps (414 ng/m(3)) or with lamps with a shatter-proof coating (60 ng/m(3)). It was found that ventilation can considerably reduce the indoor air concentration within 20 min. Acute health effects would only be expected if the mercury is not removed immediately. Careful collection and disposal of the lamp fragments would also prevent dwellers from the risk of long-term exposure. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: After accidental breakage of a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) indoors, dwellers could be exposed to high mercury concentrations. From the results of our studies in test chambers and real rooms using different lamp types and scenarios, it was possible to estimate the possible human uptake of mercury by inhalation. Immediate action is important to reduce indoor mercury concentrations to a minimum level. The first step is to maximize ventilation followed by careful collection of spilled mercury.