Quick Test Kit for Mercury (Hg) (1 test)

Description

Mercury or “quicksilver,” is a shiny liquid metal that is a widespread environmental contaminant. The levels of mercury in our bodies have increased recently because of its greater use. Mercury is employed daily by medical and dental practices in thermometers, drugs and amalgam for fillings. It is also present in fungicides and pesticides and in some cosmetics. Mercury from industrial waste has contaminated water widely, and hence the plants and fish therein.

This multi-purpose test kit tests not only the presence or absence but also gives an indication of the amount in parts per million (ppm) in water, the body and a wide range of materials.

Mercury is widely used in industry, agriculture and healthcare, and sources can include fungicides and pesticides (ie. methyl mercury), cosmetics, dental fillings, medicines, coal burning releases mercury, fish (through pollution of water), mirrors, latex paints, fabric softeners, felt, floor waxes and polishes, sewage sludge etc.

Effects of Mercury: An average body may contain about 10-15 mg of mercury. This comes daily from our food, air, and water. Some mercury is retained in body tissues, mainly in the kidneys who store about 50 percent of the body’s mercury. Blood, bones, liver, spleen, brain and fat tissue may also hold mercury. This potentially toxic metal does get into the brain and nerve tissue, so central nervous system symptoms may develop. Mercury is eliminated daily through the urine and faeces. Urine levels would show whether the body is actively working to eliminate it.

Mercury can have the following effects (simplified) on the body:

• Disruption of the nervous system.
• Damage to brain functions – degradation of learning abilities, personality changes, tremors, vision changes, deafness, muscle incoordination and memory loss.
• DNA and chromosonal damage – chromosonal damage is known to cause mongolism.
• Allergic reactions resulting in skin rashes, tiredness and headaches.
• Disrupting reproductive functions such as sperm damage, birth defects and miscarriages. Mercury can also get into a growing fetus and into breast milk.

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and concentration levels should ideally be around zero. Acceptable levels of mercury may be between 0.02 – 0.03 ppm, depending on what was analysed. Readings above 0.05 ppm should be cause for concern.

This non-invasive mercury test helps detect harmful activities within the body through urine.

Suitable for: urine, water, saliva*; to test the substances which are not in solution, preparation can be made to convert them into solution for testing, this includes dust, dirt, paint, rice, milk, food, dishes, glasses

(To test dirt, soil, rice, paint, food, plants etc contact us to obtain details on how to prepare the specimen solution.)

(It is recommended to use saliva* only if the user wishes to test for mercury or other metals that may be leaking from any amalgam dental fillings. Otherwise, to test for heavy metals in the body, the user should use urine as the sample solution to be tested.)

(Not suitable to test for mercury in substances with organic oils, like skin cream, unless the organic oils have been removed.)

Sensitivity: 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.5, 2.0 ppm

The Mercury Test Kit contains an easy-to-read colourchart:

Sensitivity: 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.5, 2.0 ppm

This test kit is a non-invasive urine testing kit. It is also suitable to test any other reasonably clear solutions where appropriate to do so. It is simple to use at home with full instructions given. It is recommended to read the instructions first before starting the test.

* To test saliva, add 2ml of weak (10%) acetic acid (not provided) to 8ml of saliva collected from chewing sugarless gum (not provided) that is not flavoured. Then bring to boil and filter. Adjust the pH to between 3 – 5 with weak sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (not provided). The saliva is now ready for testing.

It is recommended to use saliva* only if the user wishes to test for mercury that may be leaking from any amalgam dental fillings. Otherwise, to test for mercury in the body, the user should use urine as the sample solution to be tested.

Contents:

• 1 Colour strip on box of the kit
• 1 Test instruction sheet
• 1 Large test tube
• 1 vial with clear cap – reagent 1
• 1 vial with blue cap – reagent 2
• 1 vial with reddish brown substance – reagent 3 (note: substance is stuck to wall of vial)

Content: Each unit contains one test.

Additional advice:

• Various medications or supplements may have an impact on the results, this may include drugs for high blood pressure, intake of Vitamin C, iron & trace supplements, intake of liquids. It is recommended to stop or limit the intake of these a few days before the test.
• Highly alkaline or acidic solutions cannot be tested. For example, washing powder or battery liquids.

Storage: This test kit should be stored in a cool place , ideally 12C to 20C. Please keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands before and after use. The contents of the kit should not come in contact with food or consumables. Once the test has been completed, dispose of it responsibly.

Related products:

Heavy metals can be implicated in a range of acute and chronic conditions. Other individual tests available include arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, chlorine, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, heavy metals. For the full range click here.

Please note: that this is a screening test and can not be used to certify water as safe or unsafe for drinking. This test kit provides approximate results ONLY when used in strict accordance with instructions. SimplexHealth expressly disclaims any liability resulting from the use of this product, failure to follow instructions, or reliance of test results. Please keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands before and after use. The contents of the kit should not come in contact with food or consumables. Once the test has been completed, dispose of it responsibly.

MPN: OSU-Mercury