Dear Isogeochem,
Yuri's request about diffusion pumps is very topical. We're in the process of updating several vacuum lines and one of the suggestions is to replace the mercury diffusion pumps. Could anyone point me in the direction of any relevant safety guidelines?  The Material Safety Data Sheets state that mercury is:

"Highly toxic. Long-term exposure to the metal may be fatal. Inhalation may lead to liver, kidney and CNS damage. Danger of cumulative effects...."

However, is there any information specific to diffusion pumps? Yes, I know many labs have used mercury pumps for decades without problems! Thanks.

Iain



*********************************************
Dr Iain Robertson
Quaternary Dating Research Unit,
CSIR Environmentek, PO Box 395,
0001 Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA.

Tel   + 27 12 841 2300
Fax  + 27 12 349 1170
*********************************************