NOVA has over 10 years experience in dealing with mercury related issues.  We have the largest mercury investigation equipment inventory in Michigan.  Our professionals have extensive experience in the following mercury related areas: 

Mercury Services

• Mercury Surveys

• Mercury Remediation

• Mercury Home Inspections

• Training and education

• Preparation of mercury remedation plans

• Mercury remediation oversight

• Remediation verification

• NIOSH Method 6009 sampling for OSHA exposure compliance

• Expert witness testimony

Mercury Sampling Equipment

Mercury Screening Services 

Elemental mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a potentially hazardous substance present in many homes in items such as fever thermometers, thermostats, blood pressure measuring devices and flame sensors on appliances. When a mercury bearing device breaks, the beads of mercury released give off a vapor that is invisible in daylight, florescent, or incandescent light. The amount of vapor given off depends on the amount of mercury, the size of the beads, and the temperature of the affected space.

To “see” mercury vapor under special ultraviolet illumination click this link www.michigan.gov/mercury to watch a short video on the Michigan Department of Community Health website.

Mercury vapor given off from a spill enters your body with the air you breathe and only about 20 percent of the vapor is exhaled. The rest of the mercury enters your blood and is circulated throughout your body. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that is especially harmful to people who are in a developmental stage of their life. For this reason, the fetus of pregnant women and children 6 years and under are considered most vulnerable to the health effects of mercury vapors.

Health agencies and Poison Control Centers recommend that you replace mercury-bearing devices with non-mercury alternatives. This is a low cost and easy way to prevent future mercury spills in your home. However, it is not easy to know if a spill occurred before you moved in or whether mercury vapors are in the air you and your family breathe.

Nova Consultants has initiated a service that will screen your home for mercury and mercury vapor. Using state of the art equipment from the Ohio Lumex company, a technician can visit your home and carefully check every room and any item, such as a vacuum cleaner or your vehicle, which may have become contaminated by a mercury spill.

You will receive real-time verbal information during the screening investigation. Following the screening, you will receive a printed report of the mercury vapor levels measured at each sampled location. If mercury vapors or a spill of elemental mercury are found, Nova will help you interpret the report and will advise you on the next steps and on cleanup resources available to you .

If your home is free of hazardous mercury vapors, the report will state that. The NOVA technician will give you advice on mercury-free items and other ways to keep you home safe from the threat of future mercury spills.

The cost of the Mercury Screen Service starts at $150. Additional costs may apply based on the size and location of your home, or if screening other areas such as your vehicle is needed. Discounts are available for proximate groupings of homes and apartments that minimize travel time for the screening technician.