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What Does Consumer ETF Put Selling Mean?optionMONSTER • Mar 9, 2010
Why Value Still Rules with Retail ETFsTom Lydon • May 13, 2009
3 Reasons to Buy Consumer StaplesSajal • May 4, 2008
To learn more about Seeking Alpha PRO, click here.
Bringing Out The Defensive BlockBob Palmerton • Tue, Dec 10
Red Across All Asset ClassesBespoke Investment Group • Thu, Nov 21
Retail Sales Revived In OctoberJames Picerno • Wed, Nov 20
The Gas Prices And Holiday Spending EquationRobert Loftus • Thu, Oct 31
Reading This Week's ETF Tea LeavesChris Ciovacco • Thu, Oct 24
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at MarketWatch.com (Nov 26, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 12, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Oct 29, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Oct 29, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Oct 23, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Oct 10, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Aug 5, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Jul 2, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Jun 5, 2013)
at CNBC.com (May 29, 2013)
at CNBC.com (May 29, 2013)
at CNBC.com (May 17, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (May 14, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (May 13, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (May 1, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Apr 23, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Apr 12, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Apr 5, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Apr 3, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Apr 2, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 26, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 12, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Oct 29, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Oct 29, 2013)
at CNBC.com (Oct 23, 2013)
XLP vs. ETF Alternatives
XLP Description
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR® Fund, before expenses, seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. Our approach is designed to provide portfolios with low portfolio turnover, accurate tracking, and lower costs.
See more details on sponsor's website
See more details on sponsor's website
Sector: Consumer Goods
Country: United States
Key Info
- In Your Portfolio: A Guide to Sector ETFs, Retail and Consumer Goods & Services ETFs
- Asset Class Performance: Sectors
- All
- | Earnings
- | Dividends
- | On the move
Tuesday, Dec 108:19 AMRetail watch: Store traffic not improving as consumers eye late online pickups
- The shopping lull right after the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period could be even more pronounced this year than usual, according to channel checks.
- Consumers mired in deal fatigue and a blast of wintry weather across a good portion of the U.S. has kept store traffic below expectations.
- It's not good news for a retail sector stuck with inventory it needs to move in the midst of a highly-promotional atmosphere.
- The narrowed window for holiday shopping due to the apparent consumer respite could boost e-commerce activity. Watch the usual suspects: AMZN, EBAY, FDX, UPS.
- Related ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RTH, PBJ, RETL, PEJ, IYK, FXG, IYC, SCC, FXD, RHS, UCC, PMR, UGE, RCD, PSL, PSCC, SZK, FDIS, FSTA, PSCD, PEZ
Tuesday, Dec 108:19 AM| 1 Comment -
Friday, Dec 610:03 AMConsumer staples stocks on the move
- Consumer staples stocks are getting some run out of a positive read on consumer sentiment and an improvement in the unemployment rate in the U.S. The group is outpacing broader market averages in early action.
- Advancers: Clorox (CLX) +2.2%, Procter & Gamble (PG) +2.0%, Energizer (ENR) +1.9%, Unilever (UL) +1.3%, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) +1.3%, Kimberly Clark (KMB) +1.1%, Avon Products (AVP) +1.0%.
- Related ETFs: XLP, VDC, FXG, RHS, PSL, PSCC, FSTA
Friday, Dec 610:03 AM| Comment! -
Tuesday, Dec 33:43 AMMobile takes large share as Cyber Monday sales jump 16%
- Cyber Monday Internet sales climbed 16% from last year to a record $2.29B, Adobe estimates, with Internet transactions for the five-day Thanksgiving shopping period jumping 26% to $7.4B.
- Sales from mobile devices soared 80% yesterday and accounted for 18.3% of the total.
- "This is the first holiday season where mobile is absolutely having its mark on overall retail sales, whether that's from a smartphone or a tablet," says JMP Securities analyst Ron Josey
- The National Retail Federation expects Internet transactions to grow 15% to $82B this holiday season, much faster than the 3.9% increase that the NRF projects for total sales.
- More on Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales.
- Stocks: AMZN, EBAY, WMT, BBY, TGT, JCP, M, FDO, DG, DLTR, FIVE, SHLD, BIG, GME, COH, GPS, LULU, ANN, EXPR, URBN, COH
- ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RTH, PBJ, RETL, PEJ, IYK, FXG, IYC, SCC, FXD, RHS, UCC, PMR, UGE, RCD, PSL, PSCC, SZK, FDIS, FSTA, PSCD, PEZ
Tuesday, Dec 33:43 AM| 3 Comments -
Monday, Dec 22:24 AMThanksgiving weekend sales fall
- The amount of money that consumers spent over the Thanksgiving weekend is estimated to have slipped 2.7% to $57.4B, the National Retail Federation says.
- The drop is in contrast to estimates that Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales at brick-and-mortar stores rose 2.3%.
- The average consumer spent $407.02 over the whole weekend, down 3.9% from last year.
- The number of shoppers increased to 141M people from 139M.
- The fall in spending came after retailers warned of a difficult holiday season and was due to the aggressive bargains on offer, a trend that is expected to continue.
- However, the NRF maintained its forecast that retail sales will grow 3.9% for the whole holiday whole season.
- Online sales climbed 17.3% on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, ComScore estimates, noting that the latter day attracted a record $1.2B in spending. The research firm expects Internet sales to rise 16% for the whole of the holiday season.
- The most visited sites on Black Friday were those of Amazon (AMZN), eBay (EBAY) Walmart (WMT), Best Buy (BBY) and Target (TGT).
- Total e-commerce sales hit $20.6B in the first 29 days of this holiday season, up 3.1% from last year, although this year includes more days.
- Today is Cyber Monday, which the NRF reckons will attract 131M shoppers vs 129M last year. But as with Black Friday, Cyber Monday has started a day early, with J.C. Penney (JCP) and Macy's (M) among those who began related promotions yesterday. Target has gone further and created "Cyber Week."
- More on Thanksgiving sales.
- Tickers: FDO, DG, DLTR, FIVE, TGT, SHLD, BIG, GME, COH, GPS, LULU
- ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RTH, PBJ, RETL, PEJ, IYK, FXG, IYC, SCC, FXD, RHS, UCC, PMR, UGE, RCD, PSL, PSCC, SZK, FDIS, FSTA, PSCD, PEZ
Monday, Dec 22:24 AM| 3 Comments -
Sunday, Dec 11:38 AMThanksgiving, Black Friday sales edge up
- Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales at brick-and-mortar stores rose 2.3% on year to $12.3B, ShopperTrak estimates.
- The research firm reiterates its forecast that sales for the whole of the holiday season will increase 2.4%, the weakest growth since 2009.
- Foot traffic for both days grew 2.8% to over 1.07B store visits.
- Online sales +20% on Thanksgiving and +19% on Black Friday, says IBM.
- Mobile traffic accounted for almost 40% of all online visits on Friday. Mobile sales rose to 26% of total online sales on Thursday and were around 22% on Friday.
- Increased store openings on Thanksgiving seem to have eaten into sales on Black Friday, while online transactions again took business away from physical purchases.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that consumers came with plans of what they wanted to buy, with the result that there was much less impulse shopping. (PR)
- More on Thanksgiving Black Friday sales.
- Tickers: AMZN, EBAY, FDO, DG, DLTR, FIVE, TGT, BBY, WMT, SHLD, BIG, GME, COH, GPS, LULU, JCP, M.
- ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RTH, PBJ, RETL, PEJ, IYK, FXG, IYC, SCC, FXD, RHS, UCC, PMR, UGE, RCD, PSL, PSCC, SZK, FDIS, FSTA, PSCD, PEZ
Sunday, Dec 11:38 AM| 17 Comments -
Friday, Nov 293:31 AMBlack Friday deals draw the crowds on Thanksgiving Thursday
- As has become an American tradition as ensconced as the Thanksgiving turkey, shoppers formed long queues in front of retail stores yesterday, with some even camping out, ahead of the doors opening for the Black Friday sales, which once again began on a Thursday.
- J.C. Penney (JCP) and Macy's (M) opened on Thanksgiving for the first time, while Kmart (SHLD), Old Navy (GPS) and Lord & Taylor opened in the morning.
- The National Retail Federation has forecast that up to 140M consumers will go shopping over the long weekend, up a bit from 139.4M last year. IBISWorld has projected that total sales through Cyber Monday will rise 2.2% to $40.5B.
- Mobile traffic increased over 31% yesterday as smartphones accounted for more than 23% of all Internet traffic. By 6 pm, online sales were up 10% over last year.
- To keep the crowds calm, Wal-Mart (WMT) handed out wristbands, Best Buy (BBY) used a ticketing system, and Target (TGT) had security staff ride segways in the parking lots to increase their visibility.
- ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RTH, PBJ, RETL, PEJ, IYK, FXG, IYC, SCC, FXD, RHS, UCC, PMR, UGE, RCD, PSL, PSCC, SZK, FDIS, FSTA, PSCD, PEZ
Friday, Nov 293:31 AM| Comment! -
Thursday, Nov 218:50 AMGoldman's 2014 crystal ball
- Multiple expansion was behind stock gains this year, but next year it'll have to be earnings and money flow rather than further valuation re-rating, says Goldman's David Kostin, reiterating his cautious 1,900 end-of-2014 target for the S&P 500 (SPY).
- Margins are key, and Goldman's forecast is the "greatest investable gap relative to consensus expectations." The bank expects 8.9% in 2014 and 9% in 2015 vs. the Street at 9.5% and 10.1%, respectively. Every 50 basis point swing in margins translates into a swing of about $5 per share in EPS.
- Four recommended strategies: Pick growth (IWF) over value (IWD), firms investing in capex, companies with high buyback yields (seems contradictory with previous), and stocks with high operating leverage.
- As for sectors, Goldman is favoring IT (VGT), consumer discretionary (XLY), and industrials (XLI) vs. underweighting consumer staples (XLP), utilities (XLU, IDU), and telecom (IST).
- S&P 500 ETFs: SPY, SH, SSO, SDS, IVV, SPXU, UPRO, VOO, RSP, RWL, EPS, BXUB, TRND, SFLA, BXUC, BXDB
Thursday, Nov 218:50 AM| 1 Comment -
Monday, Nov 49:42 AMKellogg and peers in focus after weak quarter and job cuts
- Kellogg's (K +2.6%) weak quarter doesn't paint a pretty picture for consumer staples companies highly-exposed to West markets, warn analysts.
- The company saw volume down in key categories such as cereal with higher prices not quite offsetting the drop.
- Despite the sluggish trend, Kellogg and its peer group are mainly trading higher after a large round of job cuts from Kellogg which should improve profitability.
- On watch: General Mills (GIS +0.4%), Campbell Soup (CPB +0.4%), ConAgra Foods (CAG -0.1%), Post Holdings (POST -0.5%).
- Related ETFs: XLP, VDC, FXG, RHS, PSL, PSCC, FSTA
Monday, Nov 49:42 AM| 4 Comments -
Friday, Nov 14:38 PM
Tuesday, Oct 221:25 PMFidelity challenges State Street's sector ETF lineup
- The mutual fund giant greatly boosts its ETF presence, rolling out 10 sector ETFs on Thursday, with BlackRock (BLK) - whose iShares has its own suite of sector ETFs - as the funds' sub-advisor. State Street (STT), though, is better-known for its sector offerings. Launching on Thursday - and popular existing State Street SPDR ETFs they'll be competing with:
- Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) - XLP.
- Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS) - XLY.
- Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) - XLE.
- Fidelity MSCI Financials Index ETF (FNCL) - XLF.
- Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF (FHLC) - XLV.
- Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU) - XLI.
- Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) - XLK.
- Fidelity MSCI Materials Index ETF (FMAT) - XLB.
- Fidelity MSCI Telecommunications Services Index ETF (FCOM) - XTL.
- Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) - XLU.
Tuesday, Oct 221:25 PM| 1 Comment -
Sunday, Oct 204:14 AMCompanies face junk-food taxes in Mexico
- Major international food and beverage companies are concerned about Mexico's plans to impose taxes on junk food and sugary drinks.
- Last week, Mexico's lower house of Congress authorized a 5% levy on high-calorie packaged food such as peanut butter. The chamber has also passed legislation to tax sugary drinks at 1 peso (8 U.S. cents) per liter.
- The taxes could pose a big challenge to the food companies, especially if Mexico is successful in its aim of changing diets in the country - where 7/10 adults and 1/3 children are overweight or obese - and is copied by other nations.
- Companies that are set to be affected include Coca-Cola (KO), Kellogg (K), PepsiCo (PEP), Mondelez (MDLZ) and Nestle (NSRGY.PK).
- ETFs: XLP, VDC, FXG, IYK, PSL, RHS, PSCC, UGE, SZK
Sunday, Oct 204:14 AM| 10 Comments -
Wednesday, Oct 96:50 PMCFO warnings about government shutdown accelerate
- Scores of companies in nearly 200 public filings have cautioned investors that their businesses could suffer from the government shutdown, now in its ninth day.
- J.C. Penney (JCP), Wolverine World Wide (WWW) and Humana (HUM), for example, all warned this week of potential bottom-line consequences of federal furloughs and agency closures; corporate M&A plans also appear to be on hold as executives await a return to normal.
- Every week the government is closed trims economic output by ~$1.6B, or 0.16 percentage point for the quarter, according to research firm IHS, and "if the shutdown drags on, the effects will start to add up."
- The last fight, in 1995-96, impacted consumer confidence; with the year-end shopping season approaching, that's critical, especially for retailers.
- ETFs: RTH, PMR, XRT, RETL, XLP, VDC, FXG, IYK, PSL, RHS, PSCC, UGE, SZK, XLY, VCR, FXD, IYC, PEZ, RCD, PSCD, UCC, SCC.
Wednesday, Oct 96:50 PM| 6 Comments -
Thursday, Oct 32:55 AMHow the shutdown is affecting the economy
- The National Retail Federation expects sales during the November-December holiday shopping period to increase 3.9% to $602.1B, with growth accelerating from 3.5% last year. However, says the NRF, a prolonged government shutdown could hurt consumer sentiment and harm sales.
- Retail ETFs: RTH, PMR, XRT, RETL, XLP, VDC, FXG, IYK, PSL, RHS, PSCC, UGE, SZK, XLY, VCR, FXD, IYC, PEZ, RCD, PSCD, UCC, SCC.
- Boeing (BA) has warned that deliveries of some jets could be postponed, as the FAA officials who need to approve the planes before they're handed over to customers have been furloughed. Airbus has already delayed the delivery of an A321 to JetBlue.
- The closure is hurting small businesses that rely on federal agencies to operate or that were trying to secure government-backed loans.
- How the shutdown is affecting United Technologies and USEC.
Thursday, Oct 32:55 AM| 3 Comments -
Monday, Sep 301:29 PM
Friday, Sep 2011:01 AMPhilip Morris is still a dividend champ
- The time was ripe for Philip Morris(PM +0.2%) to increase its dividend payout rate when it announced a boost earlier this month, according to Dividend Channel.
- A chart of the company's dividend hike show a nice little staircase extending higher and higher with regular September actions.
- The goings-on at Philip Morris have some relevance for the Consumer Staples ETF (XLP) with 9.45% of the fund's assets invested in the tobacco concern.
Friday, Sep 2011:01 AM| Comment! -
Tuesday, Sep 1710:55 AMBAML survey: More money moves into stocks
- The summer bond crash has fund managers shuffling money into equities, according to the BAML fund manager survey, which shows those overweight stocks rising to 60% in September - the highest level since February 2011. Digging a little deeper finds exposure to consumer staples (XLP) is the highest in 10 years, to European stocks the highest in 6 years, and an 11-year high for U.K. equities (EWU).
- European stock ETFs: EZU, VGK, FEZ, EPV, IEV, ADRU, FEP, FDD, UPV, EPV, DFE, FEU, FEEU.
- Blogger ukarlewitz digs even deeper and finds the spread between equity and bond ratings is the 2nd highest in the 12-year history of the survey.
- Undermining this apparent confidence, notes BAML's Michael Hartnett, are cash levels that remain "exceptionally high" at 4.6%. He reminds of the rule to buy stocks when cash is above 4.5%, and sell when it falls below 3.5%.
- Broad fixed income ETFs: AGG, BND, LAG, SCHZ, BOND, SAGG, MINC, GYLD, INKM.
- Broad equity ETFs: IYY, VTI, EXT, TOTS, EUSA, ITOT.
Tuesday, Sep 1710:55 AM| Comment!
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Hey Amanda, I just wanted to thank you again for offering to make me that widget. the thing is, I need it ASAP. If you can't get to it right away no sweat, I had been planning on purchasing one anyway, otherwise can you let me know when it will be ready? I totally don't mean to push, I just need to get one sooner rather then later.I'd say something like this - thanking her, and assuring her you have another methods of getting a widget.
Buy the widget now. Say nothing to your friend. Wnen/if she makes one for you, IF it's suitable, sell the first one on eBay. Still say nothing to your friend.

subset: commoncrawl


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"I Love My Job" - I really do love my job. I work for a Plastic Surgeon. I am a Medical Assistant. I feel very blessed to have found this job. I have worked for him a little over a year now. I have worked for other doctors and let me tell you not all doctors are good to work for...
1 Response
Apr 4, 2007
Truck Driver For Life? - They say find something you like to do and you will never work a day in your life. That's me! Ever since I got my driver's license when I was 16, I loved driving. I started driving semi's in '95 and haven't stopped since. I've...
2 Responses
Oct 13, 2009
My Job Is Not Like Work At All to Me - I am an acupuncturist and herbalist. Before I did this, I was a community college professor. In both cases, the focus was helping others. There is nothing better than work in which you serve and help others. It is endlessly rewarding...
19 Responses
Aug 10, 2007
Financial Advisor - It is such a great feeling to help individuals and families make sense out of the complicated financial world. I'd say 99% of Americans do not know about investing, how much should they be saving, how to pay less taxes, etc.
It is such a rewarding feeling to...
2 Responses
Jul 23
It'S Not A Job... It'S A Lifestyle. - I'm the kind of person who never really knew what she wanted to do with her life. I know I love art, I love helping people... but what can I do with those passions? Everyone always told me to go to college, and build a resume. To me, that...
Jun 29
Time For A Change - Dont get me wrong I do love my job, but the atmosphere has changed. I am in a position Im not sure what to do. A yr ago one our leads took the position of asst mngr. She has held position one yr, 22 yrs old, no prior experience, but she has her looks. Two...
3 Responses
Mar 15
My Job Is In Love With Me........ - They say the best opportunities in life find you, and you do not find them. This is how I feel about my job.
I wasn't looking for it. Nor did I ever expect to be so happy, so fulfilled, and content within an establishment.
It is almost as if...
1 Response
Aug 23, 2012
Personal Training Is So Fulfilling - I was 22 and my son had just started Kindergarten. I had been working part time retail jobs while my son was little but now I wanted a full time job again. Through a friend of mine I got a position as a department store area sales manager. The...
2 Responses
May 28, 2012
Not - when the managers are aaways finding fault with you.
it is a blame culture
nothing rewatding about it
Mar 26
I Live For And Love My Job! - I would like to make an apology. I would like to make an apology to my job.
I live for my job.
It is only because my Mother drugs me that I'd come in late at times, otherwise I'm excellent with metrics, unless customers make a refusal for rewards...
Nov 15
Need A New Job - My mom and my boss were best friends. I worked for my boss for over six years. I worked with little kids and their school work and some older kids if they fell behind. My brother was on of those older kids so my sent him to my work. He didn't want to do any of...
Nov 13
I Don't Understand Why I Can't Get A Job And Keep It. - Hi, I'm 30 years old and I have had over 36 jobs since I was 16. When I find a job I'm always told I'm a hard worker but I'm told that I'm just too slow for the job. I have done everything from flipping burgers to Auto...
2 Responses
Nov 20
The Day Of The Doctor Who Fell In Love -
One can never say what is inside him, at least not entirely. One day there can happen something... just a bit of this, and a bit of that, and you find yourself feeling something you never knew was there. That comes double concerning...
Nov 25
Lost My Job A Few Days Ago - I seen this event happen for a long time. I told people this on EP about my concerns losing my job. Some thought this might not happen because the talent I have and all the contribution I made for this company. I also shared concerns of people I knew...
3 Responses
Nov 23
Married To A Wonderful Guy, In Love With Another Wonderful Guy - I'm really interested in hearing any advice from anyone else who is in a similar place, or has already been through this.
I've been with my husband 8 years, married for four. He's a wonderful, caring guy and is...
2 Responses
Nov 27
I want to be loved - I really need this so bad, it's my first time in life when i really love someone.. and that person seems to love me too.. but then, without a reason ( or if there is a reason.. it's not shared with me ) love isn't anymore how it uset to be, i need love like...
3 Responses
5 days ago
Finding A Job - After leaving school, all I've found is that it's incredibly difficult to get a job. True, the area I live in is a quiet holiday place, but it's really irritating me badly. It just makes me feel really useless and like a waste of space. The fact that I can't pay...
Nov 14
Fed Up With My Job And The People In It...... - So is going to be pure letting things out. So I work at one of the most like Fake America-Italian restaurants (OG), and one of the biggest corps of restaurant chains. They are so full of it. They sell this company as one of the best...
Nov 21
Such A Job Is So As To Not Leave - Formation dimension wide. Such a job is so as to not leave the pc once the 2 wings of the massive empty to forestall computers footballer simply pass . , The players so as to rescue the pc another time pass Zhengding , so troublesome.
Nov 30
LOVELY FEELINGS - The sun hasn´t made up his mind whether to be on or off today, clouds have already placed themselves comfortably all over the sky, the wind got up early and it´s already at his job, so I decide to stay home and take it easy today ....
Maybe there are some...
1 Response
6 days ago


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Press Release 13 November 2007
Roma, 13 November 2007 - Petrobras President and Chief Executive, José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo, told journalists at Tuesday's World Energy Congress that his company has "high confidence" that its recent oil discovery in Brazil contains between 5-8 billion barrels of recoverable oil.
Asked at the briefing whether other basins in the same area as the Tupi Field - the site of the discovery - could contain further oil reserves, the head of Petrobras said: "Yes there could be much more."
Last week, Petrobras announced that the Tupi Field, 280 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, may hold up to 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent, which is trapped below a thick layer of salt.
Gabrielli de Azevedo said that production on the Tupi Field could begin in 2010 or 2011 as the company aims to increase overall production to 4.5 million barrels a day of oil and gas equivalent by 2015.
He said that the Brazilian Government's decision to hold back certain concessions - around 41 - from the next stage of the bidding process for the Tupi Field was "a country decision" and not a company decision.
"The main challenges ahead at Tupi will be stabilization of the oil casing (the salt) and the thickness of the rock," he said.
On oil prices, the Brazilian energy leader said: "There is tightness in supply and demand and other factors causing volatility such as: speculation on the capital markets, weakness of the US dollar and very large restrictions on the refining side. Prices will stay high and volatile in the short-term."
WEC Media contact:
Mathias Hocke: email@example.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996
Stephan Albrechtskirchinger: email@example.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996
Policies for the future: 2011 Assessment of country energy and climate policy
The World Energy Council in partnership with Oliver Wyman (global consulting firm) has over the past year worked on its third Assessment of country energy and climate policy aiming to identify key areas for policy improvements and to understand how successful policies can be transferred from one country to another. more >


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nothing like a republican with backbone. Click Here if you Like this Comment
Wish Illinois had even one with a notochord. Click Here if you Like this Comment
I´m really getting a kick out of these state tax reforms.And how about the fortress city where only conservatives are welcome.lol. Click Here if you Like this Comment
As taxpayers have increasingly become aware that they are but paying for blatant political cronyism, corruption in the political arena/media cobal, and all sorts of deceitful statist policies deemed by bloated BIG Government, naturally they are inclined to, ´flirt,´ with tax changes! ...´´It doesn´t take a rocket scientist,´´ to figure out this socialistic taxation problem.Remember, the U.S.A. was founded DIRECTLY because of overtaxation by a tyrannical BIG Government´s dictates. Such irresponsible overtaxation usurps each individual´s INHERENT freedom every-which-way! Today´s stastist pols are usurping freedom in the same way by using taxpayer´s money irresponsibly, frivilously and by actually making and breaking specific entreprenaurs, even at these some unethical pols engrandise themselves with unmerited riches, paid for by the American taxpayers. Greed & corruption have replaced ethics and morality since the ´60s radicals got tenure in leadership positions.Just as unions have come to fund leftist political causes which are totally contrary to the personal beliefs & preferences of individuals within their membership, so too has the current BIG Governmental outrageous spending follies come to exclusively fund biased statist policies which are contrary to the Constitution´s principles of authentic Life, Liberty and Justice for ALL.The American Presidents swear an oath to support the U.S. Constitution, as do the members of Congress and the Judicial Branch. But instead of respecting their own oaths and supporting Constitutional principles, too many elected officials are in competition with the union bosses for personal enrichment and power. That brief realization, in a nutshell, is the challenge facing voters and every hard working taxpayer. Click Here if you Like this Comment
One of the best things republicans in the states can do is the opposite of what Obama is doing on the federal level. The results should be obvious and make good campaign fodder. Click Here if you Like this Comment
The left wants to make America weak, in the end they may end up just making the federal government weak. Click Here if you Like this Comment
States are having to pick up where the Federal Government is failing. It will be interesting when the Federal Government´s monetary system collapses, and the State´s have to step in to prevent a national economic collapse. Hopefully, States will soon start experimenting with independent monetary systems that can survive the dollar collapse. Looks like they could start accepting tax payments in Gold or start issuing state bonds that pay out in something other than dollars -- then divide down the bond amounts to values near the value of a dollar bill. We could then begin using them for money (or could when the dollar collapses.) I´d much rather have my 401K filled with Texas bonds that paid out in Gold, than in US Treasury bills that pay out in dollars. Click Here if you Like this Comment
The conservatives are "activists" and the lib is an "expert."That kind of bias gets inside the public bloodstream and few recognize what´s going on. Click Here if you Like this Comment
Let us do it as we all succeed!!! Click Here if you Like this Comment
The real problem is that we are being taxed to pay for things that we do not agree with or approve of. I would not mind paying my fair share if others were also paying theirs, and not just voting themselves mine. If everyone had to pay taxes on their purchases, drug dealers, people getting paid under the table, and any other type of tax avoidance scam people would be required to pay up. Then you would see some real screaming. Click Here if you Like this Comment
You know who is going to take full credit for any state tax reform right? Specially if it proves successful. The repubs will not sign any document or policy to say ´we did this´ so vote accordingly. Instead, the dems will take credit while continuing to plunder on the spending. Click Here if you Like this Comment
Some of the superlative genius of our federal system demonstrated. Thank you, Founders.Taxes on business are a bad idea for two reasons. a. taxes on business simply add to the selling price of the product or service. The tax-cost must be passed along to consumers. b. taxes on business require businesses to get involved in politics, to fend off interference, keep price-burdening taxes as low as possible, and to combat favors sought and gotten by competitors. Note that none of those things are a net benefit to anyone... but the politicians. See post #4.#2: Thank you for a literal LOL. Clever post, very clever.#10: At the Federal level, the real issue is to limit spending to what is legitimately authorized by the citizens for the central gov´t to do. Click Here if you Like this Comment
May be Honduras...private cities...we will see... Click Here if you Like this Comment
States doing the job that the WH & DNC elitists won´t do. Click Here if you Like this Comment
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1 Meetup Group matches "GLBTPagans" near Oak Brook, IL
Many changes are happening in the Wiccan and Pagan communities these days. Years ago, Covens were the main way to be involved with a few Solitary Practitioners to be found. As the Craft has "come out of the broom closet" more information is available than ever before. What does not seem to be there is the sense of Spiritual Community we had all those years ago. We have many wonderful social outlets these days. They serve a tremendous purpose and it is a blessing they exist. However, as times evo …
Get an alert email when new Meetup Groups like this start near you.
You'll get advice, help finding members, and tools to make running a Meetup Group easier.


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Above 50 Percent WIC Vendors
During August, 2006 USDA mandated all states enforce new regulations intended to contain the cost of WIC foods. The federal regulations are focused on Vendors that derive over 50% of their food sales from the redemption of WIC food instruments. The regulations required Louisiana to apply for certification of a state plan for cost containment in order to allow these Vendors to continue to operate.
The WIC Program sought and obtained certification but is also required to enforce federally mandated cost containment provisions. Specifically, above 50% Vendors cannot redeem any food instrument for amount in excess of the statewide average.
Based upon the WIC Program's data regarding food prices at above 50% Vendor locations, these Vendors will likely have to lower their prices on a number of food items to assure that food instrument redemptions do not exceed the statewide average.
January | February | March |
April | May | June |
July | August | September |
October | November | December |
Attention! WIC Vendor Applications will only be reviewed where there exists a need to increase/enhance coverage for WIC Authorized Foods.


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Saudi Arabia's petchem market to growSaudi Arabia is set to become the world's third largest exporter of petrochemical products with its market share poised to reach 10 per cent by 2015. Saudi plastics and petrochemical exports grew from less than $500 million More… |
Dubai to host organic products expoMore than 100 regional and international companies from 25 countries are set to showcase organic and natural products at an exhibition in Dubai next month. The 11th edition of MENOPE 2013 will take place at the Dubai International More… |
'Looking good' vital to achieving goals: studyMost women believe that 'looking good' is an essential factor in achieving their goals, according to a recent research. Almost half of the women researched in Saudi Arabia admitted that they would avoid a personal or p More… |
Geant offers Casino brand to shoppersFrench retail chain Geant Hypermarket is offering exclusive Casino brand products to shoppers at the Hyatt Plaza, Doha. The products include grocery, textiles, household, IT accessories and cleaning items at competitive prices and More… |
China-made products showcasedChina-made products are showcased from today at a fair in Dubai, with the aim of boosting trade between China and the Mena region. The seventh annual China Sourcing Fair, hosted by Global Sources, a business-to-business media comp More… |
Arasco to showcase key products at Dubai showArabian Agricultural Services Company (Arasco), a major player in supporting food security in Saudi Arabia, will be at the 'AGRA Middle East 2013' expo which opens on Tuesday (March 26) at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Ce More… |
Omani products on show at Lulu HypermarketsAll Lulu Hypermarket branches in Oman are currently showcasing Oman-manufactured products, as part of a series of exhibitions entitled "Omani". The focal exhibition kicked off in Lulu More… |
India, China fuelling demand for productsThe rising middle class in emerging economies such as India and China is fuelling demand for petrochemicals from Bahrain and the GCC region, remarked nogaholding chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Consumption More… |
Takaful growth potential 'tremendous'Takaful, the Shariah-compliant form of insurance, holds tremendous potential but continues to be challenged by multiple factors such as a limited product range and non-competitive pricing, a report said. The report, Opportunities and Chall More… |
Batelco team showcases key productsBahrain Telecommunications (Batelco) is being represented by three members of its management team at the International Telecoms Week (ITW) being held in Chicago. The ITW, a key meeting point for the global wholesale telecommunications More… |


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18 min ago | Southern Utah News
County Extra Mile Awards given to Habbeshaw and road crew
Kane County's inaugural Extra Mile Award was presented to former County Commissioner Mark Habeshaw for his work with roads.
What's the best route to energy independence?
Could you pass a US citizenship test?
4 hrs ago | Salt Lake Tribune
Roofing company building goodwill
But the shop has a cozier feel than the 25-foot shelves lining the gaping warehouses of its regional and national competitors.
Spring Works Utah named Manufacturer of the Year
Spring Works Utah was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Utah Manufacturers Association at the 108th Annual UMA Awards & Installation Banquet in Salt Lake City in November.
Utah refugees celebrate holidays with help from Catholic Community Services
Catholic Community Services of Utah hosted its annual Refugee Christmas Party on Sunday at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Holladay.
3. Board unanimously approves Utah air quality ...
A plan seven years in the making to improve the state's air quality received unanimous approval from the Utah Air Quality Board on Wednesday.
St. George shut down by snow; roads dicey in northern Utah
St. George got a rare glimpse of falling snow Saturday - enough that much of the city has been forced to shut down and wait out the storm.
Americans angered by NSA spying take protest to Utah Data Centre, aka Bumblehive
Susan Beretta, left, and Lorina Potter, members of "Restore the Fourth," a group opposed to the massive NSA data centre in Bluffdale, Utah, stand on the facility's fenceline where the ribbons they tied in protest on July 4th remain.
Custom cameras catch weather clues, beauty in Utah snowflakes
See the Snowflake Showcase page on the Alta Ski Area website. Clicking on a flake brings it into closer focus.
Much of Utah experiencing winter storm conditions
A snowstorm that hit the Wasatch Front Saturday morning was expected to last until Sunday evening and possibly into Monday.
Snowy conditions hamper firefighting efforts in Enoch
Fire broke out in an Enoch duplex on Wagon Wheel Drive late Saturday afternoon, displacing two families during another severe winter storm in Southern Utah.
Op-ed: Utah Invokes pre-Civil War notions to fight gay marriage
Just days after our nation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address and our nation's solemn commitment to the proposition that all men are created equal, the state of Utah filed a legal brief arguing that it is within the rights of a state to impose laws creating second-class citizenship for LGBT Americans.
Utah haikus inspired by Jell-O
Utahns have always made room for Jell-O on the Thanksgiving table, right next to the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Youth group changes name to honor USS Utah
The Salt Lake Tribune) Pearl Harbor survivors Dewey D. Farmer, left with his wife Helen, and Glen Allgood, center, listen on Saturday to a part of the ceremony in the capitol rotunda, where those who died at Pearl Harbor were remembered.
Permits for concealed guns: Utah hits 500K
Utah just crossed a big threshold for a small state with just 2.86 million residents: More than a half million people now hold a Utah permit to carry concealed firearms - 521,914, to be exact as of Sept.
Brad Petersen: Outdoor Enthusiast Responds to Call from Governor
In the early months of 2013, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert publicized the creation of the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Special Utah House committee winding down as Attorney General race heats up
A special Utah House committee created to investigate now former Attorney General John Swallow looks to be pulling the plug on its four-month inquiry as the race to replace him heats up.
Nelson Mandela's influence touched Utahns
Nelson Mandela was a man who pursued peace, harmony and justice for all people and cast a long shadow not only over his native South Africa but also across civilization.
Numerous Utah temperature records shattered by cold
Along the Wasatch Front, temperatures were to warm slightly from a week-long spate of record-setting, sub-freezing and, in places, sub-zero readings.
Released documents prove that Utah mayor exaggerated NSA water contract
SALT LAKE CITY , December 7, 2013 - Grassroots efforts to thwart what opponents are calling "mass spying" by the National Security Agency are heating up in Utah.
Santa arrives early as Utah DABC rolls out sales for December 2013
There are over 600 items on Special Price Adjustments for the December holidays, so when Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month, they will expect to hear Santa chuckling.


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Kenya Chicago Swiss International Airlines
Switzerland's national airline, SWISS or Swiss International Air Lines officially started operations on March 31, 2002. While its hub remains Zurich Kloten Airport, SWISS also operates from international airports at Basel and Geneva. Besides Swiss European Air Lines, a regional airline subsidiary, SWISS also owns two independent operating divisions - Swiss AviationTraining and Swiss WorldCargo. Now a part of the German airline, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines was originally started as Crossair and was part of the holding company SAir Group along with Swissair, which was the former flag carrier of Switzerland. After the bankruptcy of Swissair in 2001, Crossair was renamed SWISS and became the national airline of Switzerland. On April 1, 2006, SWISS joined Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance serving a wide range of airports and countries. A part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of the global Star Alliance, SWISS provides quality air services while connecting 76 destin
The Travel Advisory for Kenya is not available currently.
The average delay in Swiss International Airlines flight departure from Chicago was 0 minutes.The average delay in Swiss International Airlines flight arrival in Chicago was 0 minutes.
Check Kenya to Chicago international flight schedules, international flight status, and flight number for Swiss International Airlines. MakeMyTrip India offers cheapest International Air Travel Tickets between Kenya and Chicago with Swiss International Airlines.
Kenya is the microcosm of Africa and has mountains and deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa's best wildlife attractions. Enjoy cheap holidays in Kenya and enjoy the stunning landscapes and view of Mt. Kenya National Park, gorgeous beaches, the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara and the searing deserts by the Jade Sea. Plan your vacation in advance and you could get the best holiday packages and travel deals on your tour to Kenya. Your holiday in Kenya should include wildlife safaris to the Tsavo National Park and Marine National Park and who knows, you might meet lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest.
The Information is not available currently.
Cheap International Kenya to Chicago- Swiss International Airlines tickets at MakeMyTrip India. Best Deals at Lowest fares guaranteed on Kenya to Chicago- Swiss International Airlines International Travel. Check International Flight number, Flight status online.


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Hi, guys!
Just popping in to say that Farrah and I are still alive and doing fabulous!
I've been working a lot and don't have much time for blogging anymore.
HOWEVER I'll be updating this page a lot more!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Farrah & Shannon
I've had Farrah on Kitten Revolution for a month now, but she still has tons of fleas! I noticed her scratching a lot these past two days so I looked and saw a couple of them. I gave her a bath and she had about 15 fleas on her! Oh my god, I'm just freaking out because I don't know what else I can do for her. I don't take her outside anymore. The only way she might be getting these fleas might be because of our Chihuahua, but I can't just kick her out (as much as I'd like to). I clean the cage weekly, and even then she only has two beds that are detachable which I wash and the rest is just wipe-able so there isn't anything for these fleas to make beds in.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I know it will be winter soon and these nasty fleas will be gone, but until then, should I just bathe her every few days? I'm extremely stressed out, I really don't want my baby to be uncomfortable and I feel like I've tried everything, even buying the $50 Revolution for kittens which doesn't seem to be doing anything.
Edit: My dogs have also been treated for fleas.
Edit #2: I'm completely aware of how frequent baths can dry out their skin, but it's really the only option I have to rid her of fleas, unfortunately :/
that I have been so busy lately! D:
I've been busy with school and normally use my computer for just studying.
I promise I'll return to keep the Farrah spam rolling!
She is doing wonderful and living like a queen as usual :P
I hope everyone has a great weekend <3


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ALRIGHT--- so! I just got moved out of the dorms and back into my house. Meaning? My computer's still unplugged and sitting in the living room until I can find a place to put it. The computer I'm on? Highly watched and guarded. Not good prospects for lengthy postmaking.
The meaning of all this blasphemy?
I won't be on solidly again until Monday of next week. We'll see what we can do until then, but I'll be a wee bit scarce until I can get the net and my computer reconfundled. SooOOooOOoooo.... Till then!!
<33 -Trinalope


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This utility is designed to identify current Intel® Processors and technologies, and enables you to run and save a processor ID report. The utility also features a frequency test to make sure that the processor is working at the tested and rated speed.
The Intel® Processor Identification Utility video walks you through download to installation, and provides an overview of the most common technologies supported by the processor.
The Intel® Processor Identification Utility version 4.75 is available for download in a self-installing .msi file format.
Related Topics:Processors recommended for this utilityIntel® Processor Identification Utility videoHow to choose the right processorSupported processorsSupported operating systemsDownload bootable versionProduct overviewTwo processor identification utilitiesInstallation guide for Windows versionInformation reported in Windows version
Operating System:
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* denotes required field
Cage, ring training and competition ready.
Throwdown Cage Gloves - The best grade of leather and professional 3/4" layered foam over knuckles and back of fist for all professional and amateur competition and training. Open palm design is ideal for all offensive assaults and defensive maneuvers. Triple reinforced and padded fingers allow extra protection and long durability. All leather hook-and-loop wrist strap helps keep gloves firmly secured to wrist and hands.
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Shipping Included Shipping cost included within the lower 48 states only Ships via UPS


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Even Luxury Yachts Can Sink
Filed under: Yachts & Sailing
Shortly after setting out with their brand new Fairline Squadron 58, a 60-foot luxury yacht, two Norwegian men ran it into some submerged rocks and it sank. The men abandoned the sinking ship in the rubber lifeboat, which also started to sink. The Norwegian rescue crews believe that the men were relying too much on their electronic charts and it was an error in navigation (either an error in reading the charts or in the charts themselves) that caused the boat to hit the rocks. The yacht was valued at $2 million and featured four bedrooms, with room for 10 people.
The lesson learned here is that, while fancy electronic equipment is great in a yacht, it's also good if you know how to sail before you set out. And that it's probably a good idea to check the condition of the life boat, just to be safe.
[Image Aftenposten]


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(From L-R) French Trade Minister Nicole Bricq, French employers association Medef Vice President Jean-Claude Volot, the head of Russian manufacturers and entrepreneurs Union Alexandre Shokhine and the head of state-run monopoly Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin attend a press conference on November 28, 2013 at the Medef headquarters in Paris as part of a Franco-Russian Economic Forum. AFP PHOTO / ERIC PIERMONTERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images
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Derek Jeter: Offseason "terrible"
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Derek Jeter had a miserable offseason he would rather forget. Not only did the New York Yankees captain not win another World Series ring, his season ended when he had to be helped off the field because of a broken ankle.
"Absolutely terrible," Jeter said Sunday, the spring training reporting day for New York's positions players. The 38-year-old broke his left ankle lunging for a grounder in the AL championship series opener against Detroit on Oct. 1, and had surgery a week later. He could start running on a field in the next couple days and expects to be ready for opening day against Boston on April 1.
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Mercury (Forensic Science)
The discovery of mercury in an Egyptian tomb built some thirty-five hundred years ago proves that humanity's fascination with the element is of long standing. Because metallic mercury almost seems alive as it flows, it became a key ingredient in the experiments of alchemists who thought gold was a compound that could be made from mercury and other metals. During the early eighteenth century, the distinguished scientist Sir Isaac Newton suffered periods of extreme depression that were probably caused by mercury poisoning acquired during his own alchemical experiments. In modern times, various uses of mercury—for example, as part of a process for mining gold and as an element in dental amalgam—have become controversial.
When mercury metal is released into the environment, microorganisms convert it into methylmercury by adding a methyl group (three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom). Methylmercury has a strong affinity for the amino acid cysteine, and with cysteine attached, the body treats the combined molecule as a protein and allows it to cross both the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly dangerous.
The worst case of widespread mercury poisoning in modern times occurred in Iraq during the late 1960's and early 1970's. After several years of poor harvest, the Iraqi government decided to import a special type of wheat from Mexico. When the grain arrived too late in the year for planting, the Iraqi...
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Further Reading (Forensic Science)
Casdorph, H. Richard, and Morton Walker. Toxic Metal Syndrome. Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery, 1995.
Eisler, Ronald. Mercury Hazards to Living Organisms. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 2006.
Sadiq, Muhammad. Toxic Metal Chemistry in Marine Environments. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1992.
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Where Found (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Mercury is generally found associated with volcanic rocks that have formed near subduction zones. The primary producing areas are in China, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, and Russia.
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Primary Uses (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Mercury is used in the industrial production of chlorine and caustic soda. It is also used in dry cell batteries, paints, dental amalgams, gold mining, scientific measuring instruments, and mercury vapor lamps. Several of these uses are now banned in the United States.
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Technical Definition (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) is a silvery white metal that belongs to Group IIB (the zinc group) of the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 80 and an atomic weight of 200.5. It has seven stable isotopes and a density of 13.6 grams per cubic centimeter. Also known as quicksilver, mercury has a melting point of -38.87° Celsius, making it the only metal that is liquid at normal room temperature. It boils at a temperature of 356.9° Celsius and has a constant rate of expansion throughout the entire range of temperature of the liquid. Mercury alloys with most metals and is a good conductor of electricity.
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Description, Distribution, and Forms (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Mercury is a relatively scarce element on Earth, accounting for only 3 parts per billion in crustal rocks. It is found both as free liquid metal and, more commonly, as the sulfide mineral cinnabar (HgS). It is generally found in areas of past volcanic activity. Mercury compounds are formed from mercury with either a +1 or +2 oxidation state. The most common mercury (I) compound is mercury chloride (Hg2Cl2), and the most common mercury (II) compounds are mercury oxide (HgO), mercury bichloride (HgCl2), and mercury sulfide (HgS). (The Roman numerals refer to the valence state of the mercury.)
Mercury forms compounds that are used in agriculture, industry, and medicine. Some organic mercury compounds, such as phenylmercury acetate, are used in agriculture as fungicides to control seed rot, for spraying trees, and for controlling weeds. Because of their highly toxic nature, care must be used when applying or using such mercury compounds.
Mercury is a rare crustal element that is found both as liquid elemental mercury and combined with other elements in more than twenty-five minerals. Cinnabar is the primary ore mineral of mercury, and it is generally found in volcanic rocks and occasionally in associated sedimentary rocks. The volcanic rocks were generally formed as volcanic island arc systems near subduction zones. Since the deposits are concentrated in faulted and fractured rocks that were formed at...
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History (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Mercury has been known since at least the second century b.c.e. Chinese alchemists used mercury in futile attempts to transform the base metals into gold. Mercury was also used in ancient Egypt. Cinnabar, the red ore mineral of mercury, has long been used by aboriginal peoples as an important pigment. By Roman times the distillation of mercury was known, and a mercury trade between Rome and the rich Spanish cinnabar mines was well established. Beginning with the Renaissance and the scientific revolution in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, mercury became important for use in measuring devices such as thermometers and barometers. The major modern industrial, medicinal, and agricultural uses of mercury were developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The toxicity of mercury compounds has been known since the early poisoning of cinnabar miners. Later, in the early nineteenth century, the mental effects that mercury had on felt makers gave birth to the phrase "mad as a hatter." The tragic effects of mercury poisoning were felt in Japan during the 1950's and Iraq in 1972, when hundreds died from ingesting organic mercury compounds.
In the United States, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will phase out the use of incandescent bulbs in federal buildings, to be replaced by mercury-containing compact fluorescent bulbs. Disposal of the new, energy-saving bulbs will therefore require special handling....
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Obtaining Mercury (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
The primary mercury deposits of the world are found in Spain, China, central Europe, and Algeria. Spain is estimated to have the greatest reserves, almost 60 percent of the world's total. In 2008, world production of mercury was approximately 950 metric tons. Mercury is also recovered through the recycling of batteries, dental amalgams, thermostats, fluorescent lamp tubes, and certain industrial sludges and solutions.
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Uses of Mercury (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
In the past, the primary use of mercury in the world was in the industrial production of chlorine and caustic soda. However, beginning in the twenty-first century this usage was curtailed significantly, reflecting a general movement away from mercury usage. The United States has exported refined mercury for the production of chlorine and caustic soda, fluorescent lights, and dental amalgam. Mercuric sulfate and mercuric chloride have been used industrially to produce vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, and acetaldehyde. Pharmacological uses of mercury compounds include mercury bichloride and mercurochrome as skin antiseptics, and mercurous chloride (calomel) as a diuretic. Many of these uses have been curtailed, and a ban on U.S. exports was passed by Congress in 2008.
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Further Reading (Encyclopedia of Global Resources)
Adriano, Domy C. "Mercury." In Trace Elements in Terrestrial Environments: Biogeochemistry, Bioavailability, and Risks of Metals. 2d ed. New York: Springer, 2001.
Eisler, Ronald. Mercury Hazards to Living Organisms. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC/Taylor & Francis, 2006.
Greenwood, N. N., and A. Earnshaw. "Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury." In Chemistry of the Elements. 2d ed. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1997.
Harte, John, et al. Toxics A to Z: A Guide to Everyday Pollution Hazards. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991.
Hightower, Jane M. Diagnosis Mercury: Money, Politics, and Poison. Washington, D.C.: Island Press/Shearwater Books, 2009.
Massey, A. G. "Group 12: Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury." In Main Group Chemistry. 2d ed. New York: Wiley, 2000.
Risher, J. F. Elemental Mercury and Inorganic Mercury Compounds: Human Health Aspects. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 2003.
Natural Resources Canada. Canadian Minerals Yearbook, Mineral and Metal Commodity Reviews. http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/cmy-amc/com-eng.htm
U.S. Geological Survey. Mercury: Statistics and Information. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mercury
U.S. Geological Survey. Mercury Contamination of Aquatic Ecosystems....
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Overview (The Solar System)
Mercury completes one Revolution about the Sun in only 87.97 days. Mercury's orbit has a mean distance from the Sun of only 0.387 astronomical unit (1 AU is the mean Earth-Sun distance), an Eccentricity of 0.206, and an inclination of 7° with respect to the ecliptic plane. Mercury rotates about an axis with no obliquity and has a period of 58.65 days. The ratio of Mercury's rotational period to its revolution period is almost precisely two to three (2:3). Mercury's mass is 3.30 1023 kilograms, and its mean radius is 2,439 kilometers; therefore, Mercury's mean density is 5,420 kilograms per cubic meter. Mercury's most prevalent features are craters, scarps, and deformed terrain. Degradation of original craters has resulted from secondary impact and ballistic infilling, Seismic activity resulting from impacts, lava flows, and isostatic readjustment.
Mercury's surface appears remarkably similar to that of Earth's moon, although Mercury's radius is about 50 percent larger than the Moon's. Both bodies are heavily pockmarked with impact craters. Closer examination, however, reveals many important differences between the surfaces of Mercury and the Moon. The Moon has greater color variations across its surface than does Mercury. Mercury's albedo, or reflectivity, is 0.12, a brightness similar to that of the lunar highlands seen on the Moon's Earth-facing side. Although there are 20 percent Albedo contrasts...
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Methods of Study (The Solar System)
Mercury is a planet known to the ancients. However, Mercury reveals few of its secrets to visual observation from Earth. Because it is so close to the Sun, it is often hidden by solar glare and can be seen only briefly, visually or telescopically, at twilight or daybreak. The Hubble Space telescope could not be used to obtain high-resolution images of Mercury's surface because of the tremendous brightness of the Sun, which would overpower and damage that orbiting observatory's sensitive instruments. Nevertheless, Mercury studies have advanced greatly since the first days of visual observations of this innermost planet in our solar system. Astronomers once incorrectly assumed that Mercury did not Rotate as it revolved around the Sun. Few surface features were known before the Mariner 10 encounters. Indeed, for all intents and purposes, almost all that was known about Mercury prior to 2008 was obtained through scientific investigations performed by the Mariner 10 Spacecraft on its three brief flybys in the mid-1970's. That probe was equipped with seven primary experiments; they involved high-resolution television imaging, infrared radiometry, radio wave propagation, extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy, magnetometry, plasma detection, and charged particle flux measurements.
Mercury's atmosphere was studied during a solar Occultation using Mariner 10's ultraviolet experiment. The instrument measured the drop in the...
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Context (The Solar System)
Mercury is the Roman name for the Greek god Hermes, patron of trade, travel, and thieves. Timocharis is considered to have registered the first recorded observation of Mercury, in 265 b.c.e. Very little more was learned about the planet until the invention of the telescope. Observation of the phases of Mercury was first reported in 1639 c.e. by Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Zupus. Telescope technology improved, and evidence of surface features was found in the early 1800's, when astronomers Karl Ludwig Harding and Johann Schröter measured albedo variations.
It was not until the early 1960's that Mercury's rotation rate was precisely measured using radar observations. Then came the launch of Mariner 10, the final spacecraft in the historic Mariner series, on November 3, 1973, at 12:45 a.m. eastern time atop an Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle from Launch Complex 36B at Cape Canaveral. Photographs obtained during this flyby mission began the geologic analysis of Mercury. This spacecraft became the first to use gravity assists from large Solar system bodies to redirect its trajectory to multiple photographic targets. It was recognized that the alignment of Earth, Venus, and Mercury was such that a single spacecraft could be launched between 1970 and 1973 from Earth toward Venus and then reach Mercury. Giuseppe Colombo of the Institute of Applied Mechanics in Padua, Italy, noted during an early 1970 Jet Propulsion Laboratory...
(The entire section is 877 words.)
Further Reading (The Solar System)
Balogh, André, Leonid Ksanfomality, and Rudolf von Steiger, eds. Mercury. New York: Springer, 2008. This work provides background information and reviews changes in humanity's understanding about Mercury since the Mariner 10 flybys.
Beatty, J. Kelly, Carolyn Collins Petersen, and Andrew Chaikin, eds. The New Solar System. 4th ed. Cambridge, Mass.: Sky, 1999. Amply illustrated with color images, diagrams, and informative tables, this book is aimed at a popular audience but can also be useful to specialists. Contains an appendix with planetary data tables, a bibliography for each chapter, planetary maps, and an index.
Clark, Pamela. Dynamic Planet: Mercury in the Context of Its Environment. New York: Springer, 2007. Written by a NASA space scientist who edits the Mercury Messenger newsletter, this book covers the search for understanding of the solar system's closest planet to the Sun.
Davies, Merton E., Stephen E. Dwornik, Donald E. Gault, and Robert G. Strom. Atlas of Mercury. NASA SP-423. Washington, D.C.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Scientific and Technical Information Office, 1978. Provides an excellent contemporary description of Mariner 10 and its mission. Includes a full atlas of spacecraft photography of Mercury. An essential reference for the planetary science enthusiast or researcher; also accessible to general audiences.
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Mercury (Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues, Revised Edition)
Mercury, often called quicksilver, is a relatively rare element, making up only about 3 parts per billion of the earth's crust. Mercury occurs in its elemental form as a liquid, but it is more commonly found combined with other elements to form various minerals. The most common mercury-containing mineral is cinnabar (mercury sulfide), which is found mainly in Spain, Algeria, and China.
Mercury and its inorganic compounds have been used in producing caustic soda, dry-cell batteries, scientific measuring devices, dental amalgams, and mercury vapor lamps. Workers in factories making such products may be exposed to relatively high levels of mercury vapors and compounds. Dental assistants may also be exposed to relatively high levels of mercury vapor. Mercury is also released into the environment by the waste incineration of these products and may eventually accumulate in food sources such as grains and fish. For a long time, mercury was used as an additive to latex paints to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, but this use was eliminated in the United States in 1991. Mercury compounds have also been used in agriculture as fungicides; workers who handle these compounds may experience negative health effects. Other sources of mercury in the environment are mercury mines and smelters, which may release considerable amounts of mercury into surrounding regions.
Some bacteria can convert inorganic mercury into organic compounds, such...
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Further Reading (Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues, Revised Edition)
Bakir, F., et al. "Methylmercury Poisoning in Iraq." Science 181 (July, 1973): 230-241.
Eisler, Ronald. Mercury Hazards to Living Organisms. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 2006.
Montgomery, Carla W. "Water Pollution." In Environmental Geology. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Timbrell, John. "Environmental Pollutants." In Introduction to Toxicology. 3d ed. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2002.
(The entire section is 51 words.)
Mercury (Chemical Elements)
Mercury is a transition metal. A transition metal is one of the elements found between Groups 2 (IIA) and 13 (IIIA) on the periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that shows how chemical elements are related to one another. Mercury has long been known as quicksilver, because it is a silver liquid. The chemical symbol also reflects this property. The symbol, Hg, comes from the Latin term hydrargyrum, meaning "watery silver."
Mercury has been known for thousands of years. In many cultures, people learned to make mercury metal from its most important ore, cinnabar. When heated cinnabar releases mercury as a vapor (gas). The vapor is cooled and captured as liquid mercury.
Some mercury compounds are known to be poisonous. For example, mercuric chloride (corrosive sublimate) was often used to kill pests and, sometimes, people. On the other hand,...
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Mercury (Encyclopedia of Public Health)
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring silvery metal that has been associated with adverse health effects throughout history. Elemental mercury is a liquid at room temperature, and, because of this, Aristotle named mercury "quicksilver." There are three forms of mercury: elemental mercury (Hg0), organic mercury (e.g., methylmercury), and inorganic mercury (e.g., Hg+, Hg2+). Many different organic and inorganic mercury compounds are found in nature because of mercury's ability to form covalent or ionic bonds with other chemicals. Mercury has numerous commercial usesncluding its use in the extraction of gold from oresnd is an ingredient in alkaline batteries (approximately 0.025% of battery content), mercury vapor lamps, thermostats, and mercury amalgam fillings (in the United States, 50% of a dental filling is made of mercury). Humans can be exposed to mercury compounds via the oral, inhalation, and dermal routes. The primary source of exposure to mercury compounds is attributed to the ingestion of fish and other seafood (marine mammals, crustaceans) that have bioaccumulated mercury compounds. Dental amalgams, which leach mercury, are another source.
Adverse health effects from elemental and inorganic mercury compounds have been observed, particularly in occupational settings. Health consequences commonly observed from exposure to compounds such as elemental mercury vapor and mercuric chloride include tremors, bleeding gums, abdominal pain, vomiting, and kidney damage.
Health effects from organic mercury compounds have also been well-documented, primarily because of the tragic mass poisonings from organic mercurials in locations such as Minamata, Japan, and in Iraq. These mass poisonings were primarily associated with central nervous system toxicity and death. Adverse health effects observed in poisoned individuals and their offspring included ataxia, dysarthria, impaired vision and hearing, and death. Methylmercury is particularly toxic because 95 percent of an ingested dose is absorbed into the bloodstream and can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, causing adult and fetal neurotoxicity. One of the reasons that offspring are particularly susceptible is that methylmercury can accumulate at 30 percent higher levels in fetal red blood cells than in maternal red blood cells. Besides damaging the brain and peripheral nervous system, methylmercury may also adversely affect the adult and fetal cardiovascular systems.
Research continues to be performed on the potential neurodevelopment effects of ingesting low levels of mercury in seafood. Three particularly important, ongoing studies involve residents of New Zealand and the Seychelles and Faroe Islands who consume significant portions of seafood as part of their normal diets. Analyses performed to date on mother-offspring pairs from the Seychelles identified adverse neurodevelopmental impact in offspring attributable to maternal methylmercury exposure from seafood. Mild developmental effects were also reported among offspring of New Zealand and Faroe Island residents who ingested seafood containing relatively high levels of methylmercury. These studies are particularly pertinent to assessing potential health effects among Native Arctic populations who consume marine mammals (beluga whales, ringed seals) as part of their normal diet. An increased level of mercury has been noted in the Arctic environment since the 1970s, possibly due to anthropogenic sources such as fossil fuel combustion, or possibly from increased natural releases of mercury from geologic sources. It is hypothesized that the cold Arctic climate acts as a sink for mercury; a particularly troublesome prospect for Native Arctic populations who continue to consume mercury-laden mammals and seafood.
(SEE ALSO: Environmental Determinants of Health; Foods and Diets; Heavy Metals; Minamata Disease; Occupational Safety and Health)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1999). Toxicological Profile for Mercury (Update). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (1999). Arctic Pollution Issues: A State of the Arctic Environment Report. Available at http://www.amap.no.
National Research Council (2000). Toxicological Effects of Methyl Mercury. Washington, DC: Committee on the Toxicological Effects of Mercury. Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology. Commission on Life Sciences.
Tenenbaum, D. J. (1998). "Northern Overexposure." Environmental Health Perspective 106(2): A6469.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1997). Report to Congress on Mercury. Available at .
World Health Organization (1990). Methyl Mercury, Vol. 101. Geneva: International Programme on Chemical Safety, WHO.
(1990). Inorganic Mercury, Vol. 118. Geneva: International Programme on Chemical Safety, WHO.
Mercury (How Products are Made)
Mercury is one of the basic chemical elements. It is a heavy, silvery metal that is liquid at normal temperatures. Mercury readily forms alloys with other metals, and this makes it useful in processing gold and silver. Much of the impetus to develop mercury ore deposits in the United States came after the discovery of gold and silver in California and other western states in the 1800s. Unfortunately, mercury is also a highly toxic material, and as a result, its use has severely declined over the past 20 years. Its principal applications are in the production of chlorine and caustic soda, and as a component of many electrical devices, including fluorescent and mercury-vapor lamps.
Mercury has been found in Egyptian tombs dating to about 1500 B.C., and it was probably used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes even earlier. In about 350 B.C., the Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle described how cinnabar ore was heated to extract mercury for religious ceremonies. The Romans used mercury for a variety of purposes and gave it the name hydrargyrum, meaning liquid silver, from which the chemical symbol for mercury, Hg, is derived.
Demand for mercury greatly increased in 1557 with the development of a process that used mercury to extract silver from its ore. The mercury barometer was invented by Torricelli in 1643, followed by the invention of the mercury thermometer by Fahrenheit in 1714. The first use of a mercury alloy, or amalgam, as a tooth filling in dentistry was in 1828, although concerns over the toxic nature of mercury prevented the widespread use of this new technique. It wasn't until 1895 that experimental work by G.V. Black showed that amalgam fillings were safe, although 100 years later scientists were still debating that point.
Mercury found its way into many products and industrial applications after 1900. It was commonly used in batteries, paints, explosives, light bulbs, light switches, pharmaceuticals, fungicides, and pesticides. Mercury was also used as part of the processes to produce paper, felt, glass, and many plastics.
In the 1980s, increasing understanding and awareness of the harmful health and environmental effects of mercury started to greatly outweigh its benefits, and usage began to drop sharply. By 1992, its use in batteries had dropped to less than 5% of its level in 1988, and overall use in electrical devices and light bulbs had dropped 50% in the same period. The use of mercury in paints, fungicides, and pesticides has been banned in the United States, and its use in the paper, felt, and glass-manufacturing processes has been voluntarily discontinued.
Worldwide, production of mercury is limited to only a few countries with relaxed environmental laws. Mercury mining has ceased altogether in Spain, which until 1989 was the world's largest producer. In the United States, mercury mining has also stopped, although small quantities of mercury are recovered as part of the gold refining process to avoid environmental contamination. China, Russia (formerly the USSR), Mexico, and Algeria were the largest producers of mercury in 1992.
Raw Materials
Mercury is rarely found by itself in nature. Most mercury is chemically bound to other materials in the form of ores. The most common ore is red mercury sulfide (HgS), also known as cinnabar. Other mercury ores include corderoite (Hg3S2Cl2), livingstonite (HgSb4S8), montroydite (HgO), and calomel (HgCl). There are several others. Mercury ores are formed underground when warm mineral solutions rise towards the earth's surface under the influence of volcanic action. They are usually found in faulted and fractured rocks at relatively shallow depths of 3-3000 ft (1-1000 m).
Other sources of mercury include the dumps and tailing piles of earlier, less-efficient mining and processing operations.
The Manufacturing Process
The process for extracting mercury from its ores has not changed much since Aristotle first described it over 2,300 years ago. Cinnabar ore is crushed and heated to release the mercury as a vapor. The mercury vapor is then cooled, condensed, and collected. Almost 95% of the mercury content of cinnabar ore can be recovered using this process.
Here is a typical sequence of operations used for the modern extraction and refining of mercury.
Cinnabar ore occurs in concentrated deposits located at or near the surface. About 90% of these deposits are deep enough to require underground mining with tunnels. The remaining 10% can be excavated from open pits.
- 1 Cinnabar is dislodged from the surrounding rocks by drilling and blasting with explosives or by the use of power equipment. The ore is brought out of the mine on conveyor belts or in trucks or trains.
Because cinnabar ore is relatively concentrated, it can be processed directly without any intermediate steps to remove waste material.
- 2 The ore is first crushed in one or more cone crushers. A cone crusher consists of an interior grinding cone that rotates on an eccentric vertical axis inside a fixed outer cone. As the ore is fed into the top of the crusher, it is squeezed between the two cones and broken into smaller pieces.
- 3 The crushed ore is then ground even smaller by a series of mills. Each mill consists of a large cylindrical container laying on its side and rotating on its horizontal axis. The mill may be filled with short lengths of steel rods or with steel balls to provide the grinding action.
- 4 The finely powdered ore is fed into a furnace or kiln to be heated. Some operations use a multiple-hearth furnace, in which the ore is mechanically moved down a vertical shaft from one ledge, or hearth, to the next by slowly rotating rakes. Other operations use a rotary kiln, in which the ore is tumbled down the length of a long, rotating cylinder that is inclined a few degrees off horizontal. In either case, heat is provided by combusting natural gas or some other fuel in the lower portion of the furnace or kiln. The heated cinnabar (HgS) reacts with the oxygen (02) in the air to produce sulfur dioxide (SO2), allowing the mercury to rise as a vapor. This process is called roasting.
- 5 The mercury vapor rises up and out of the furnace or kiln along with the sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and other products of combustion. A considerable amount of fine dust from the powdered ore is also carried along and must be separated and captured.
- 6 The hot furnace exhaust passes through a water-cooled condenser. As the exhaust cools, the mercury, which has a boiling point of 675° F (357° C), is the first to condense into a liquid, leaving the other gases and vapors to be vented or to be processed further to reduce air pollution.
- 7 The liquid mercury is collected. Because mercury has a very high specific gravity, any impurities tend to rise to the surface and form a dark film or scum. These impurities are removed by filtration, leaving a liquid mercury that is about 99.9% pure. The impurities are treated with lime to
Most commercial-grade mercury is 99.9% pure and can be used directly from the roasting and condensing process. Higher purity mercury is needed for some limited applications and must be refined further. This ultrapure mercury commands a premium price.
- 8 Higher purity can be obtained through several refining methods. The mercury may be mechanically filtered again, and certain impurities may be removed through oxidation with chemicals or air. In some cases the mercury is refined through an electrolytic process, in which an electric current is passed through a tank of liquid mercury to remove the impurities. The most common refining method is triple distillation, in which the temperature of the liquid mercury is carefully raised until the impurities either evaporate or the mercury itself evaporates, leaving the impurities behind. This distillation process is performed three times, with the purity increasing each time.
- 9 Commercial-grade mercury is poured into wrought-iron or steel flasks and sealed. Each flask contains 76 lb (34.5 kg) of mercury. Higher purity mercury is usually sealed in smaller glass or plastic containers for shipment.
Quality Control
Commercial-grade mercury with 99.9% purity is called prime virgin-grade mercury. Ultrapure mercury is usually produced by the triple-distillation method and is called triple-distilled mercury.
Quality control inspections of the roasting and condensing process consist of spot checking the condensed liquid mercury for the presence of foreign metals, since those are the most common contaminants. The presence of gold, silver, and base metals is detected using various chemical-testing methods.
Triple-distilled mercury is tested by evaporation or spectrographic analysis. In the evaporation method, a sample of mercury is evaporated, and the residue is weighed. In the spectrographic analysis method, a sample of mercury is evaporated, and the residue is mixed with graphite. Light coming from the resulting mixture is viewed with a spectrometer, which separates the light into different color bands depending on the chemical elements present.
Health and Environmental Effects
Mercury is highly toxic to humans. Exposure may come from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Of the three, inhalation of mercury vapor is the most dangerous. Short-term exposure to mercury vapor can produce weakness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms within a few hours. Recovery is usually complete once the victim is removed from the source. Long-term exposure to mercury vapor produces shaking, irritability, insomnia, confusion, excessive salivation, and other debilitating effects.
In normal situations, most exposure to mercury comes from the ingestion of certain foods, such as fish, in which the mercury has accumulated at high levels. Although mercury is not absorbed in great quantities when passing through the human digestive system, ingestion over a long period of time has been shown to have cumulative effects.
In industrial situations, mercury exposure is a far more serious hazard. Mining and processing mercury ore can expose workers to mercury vapor as well as to direct contact with the skin. The production of chlorine and caustic soda can also cause significant mercury exposure hazards. Dentists and dental assistants can be exposed to mercury while preparing and placing mercury amalgam fillings.
Because mercury poses a serious health hazard, its use and release to the environment has come under increasingly tight restrictions. In 1988, it was estimated that 24 million lb/yr (11 million kglyr) of mercury were released into the air, land, and water worldwide as the result of human activities. This included mercury released by mercury mining and refining, various manufacturing operations, the combustion of coal, the discarding of municipal refuse and sewage sludge, and other sources.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of mercury for many applications. The EPA has set a goal of reducing the level of mercury found in municipal refuse from 1.4 million Ib/yr (0.64 million kg/yr) in 1989 to 0.35 million lb/yr (0.16 million kg/yr) by 2000. This is to be accomplished by decreasing the use of mercury in products and increasing the diversion of mercury from municipal refuse through recycling.
The Future
Mercury is still an important component in many products and processes, although its use is expected to continue to decline. Improved handling and recycling of mercury are expected to significantly reduce its release to the environment and thereby reduce its health hazard.
Where to Learn More
Brady, George S., Henry R. Clauser, and John A. Vaccari. Materials Handbook, 14th Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Heiserman, David L. Exploring Chemical Elements and Their Compounds. TAB Books, 1992.
Kroschwitz, Jacqueline I., executive editor, and Mary Howe-Grant, editor. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 4th edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1993.
Stwertka, Albert. A Guide to the Elements. Oxford University Press, 1996.
Raloff, J. "Mercurial Airs: Tallying Who's to Blame." Science News (February 19, 1994): 119.
Spencer, Peter, and G. Murdoch. "Mercury in Paint." Consumers' Research Magazine (January 1991): 2.
Stone, R. "Mercurial Debate." Science (March 13, 1992): 1356-1357.
[This website contains a summary of the history, sources, properties, and uses of mercury.]
i>Chris Cavette
Source: Chemical Elements, ©2005 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
Source: How Products are Made, ©2002 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
Source: Encyclopedia of Public Health, ©2002 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
Source: Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues, Revised Edition, ©2011 Salem Press, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
Source: Forensic Science, ©2009 Salem Press, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
Source: Encyclopedia of Global Resources, ©2010 Salem Press, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
Source: The Solar System, ©2009 Salem Press, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.