INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your doctor can run a blood or urine test to check the mercury levels in your body. Make an appointment to see your general practitioner, and explain that you’d like them to perform a blood or urine test to check your mercury levels.  A mercury blood level test is more appropriate for checking someone after a suspected acute exposure to mercury, while a 24-hour urine mercury level test is better for checking someone for low-grade or long-term exposure to mercury, such as from mercury exposure on the job. Mercury serves no role in the human body, so technically there shouldn't be any mercury in your bloodstream. However, studies have shown that amounts of mercury greater than 85 micrograms per liter (µg/L) pose harm.  You can get home tests for mercury, but it is recommended that you undergo professional medical testing if you have serious concerns about poisoning. People who work in industrial settings or who have been tasked with cleaning up mercury spills have the highest risk of coming down with mercury poisoning. If you suspect that you may have been inhaling mercury and have noted some problematic symptoms, describe them to your doctor. Common symptoms that emerge shortly after contracting mercury poisoning include:  Vomiting and nausea Shaky hands Stomach cramps and diarrhea Tightness in your chest and coughing Chelation therapy is the primary form of medical treatment used to remove mercury (and other heavy metals) from the body. This may be indicated if your mercury level from a blood or 24-hour urine test is above 100 mcg/L or if you are showing symptoms of mercury poisoning. During chelation therapy, your doctor will give you drugs that bind to the mercury in your bloodstream and allow your body to pass the mercury out through urine.  Some of the medications are taken via oral capsule, and others are injected intravenously.  The most common chelation treatment is with a synthetic amino acid injection. Drugs that have been medically approved for use in chelation therapy in the U.S. include dimercaprol (BAL), succimer, deferoxamine, edetate calcium disodium, and penicillamine. If you have seriously high levels of mercury in your body, your doctor may advise that you receive a high dosage of chelating drugs. Some of these drugs can have serious and unpleasant side effects. If you’re going to be receiving a heavy dosage of a chelating drug, talk with your doctor and make sure you’re willing to experience the side effects.  Side effects of, for example, the drug deferoxamine include lung injuries or infections and very low blood pressure. If you’re concerned about the side effects, ask your doctor if they can prescribe you one of the milder chelating drugs or see if they can start you off on a lower dosage. Chelation therapy is the only medical method to counteract mercury poisoning. Although some of the side effects may seem severe, they are much better than living with mercury poisoning!

SUMMARY: Make a doctor’s appointment to have your mercury levels tested. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of mercury poisoning. Undergo chelation therapy if your mercury levels are dangerously high. Discuss chelation’s side effects with your doctor before treatment.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These are a major source of dust that are often overlooked in the home. DVD players, stereos, video game consoles, and other electronic gadgets can attract a lot of dust.  Unplug the equipment before dusting. You can swipe a microfiber cloth over all sides of these surfaces to remove dust. If there is any dust in cracks and crevices of larger machines, use a long-handled dusting wand to remove. In addition to dusting off the surface of these devices, check for dust around them. Vacuum dust from along cords and vents, as a lot of dust tends to gather in these places. Some people may use compressed air to get dust out of electronics. This may be safe for some electronics, but you should always read the manufacturer's instructions first. Compressed air may be too strong for certain electronic devices. If you have kids, or collect plush toys as  hobby, these can be a major source of dust. As regular machine washing can cause wear and tear to toys, there's a simple way to remove dust without throwing them in with the laundry. Baking soda can actually draw out soil and dust from these items.  Put all toys into a large plastic bag. If you have a lot of toys, you may need more than one. Pour one cup of baking soda into the bag. Tie the top of the bag and shake it well. Take the bag outside. Remove the toys one by one, and shake them off as you go to remove any clumps of baking soda. Dust under large appliances can actually be a major health concern. In addition to dust, other debris can gather, attracting bugs and mice. Move the appliances away from the wall and unplug them.  Use a slightly damp sponge mop and mop along the corners of the wall, removing dust and debris. Wipe the remainder of the floor with hot, soapy water. Press the appliance back against the wall and plug it back in. Remove dust from the corners of cabinets. These are other areas that are often neglected as they're difficult to reach. You can use a makeup brush or a paint brush to sweep dust out of these areas. Then, remove the dust you swept with a microfiber cloth. Vents can cause a buildup of dust in the air, so it should be removed. You can use a soft-brush vacuum attachment or an electrostatic mop to remove dust from these places.  Run the mop or the vacuum over the vents, drawing out any dust. Wipe down the vent with a damp microfiber cloth. If there are any removable filters, such as an air conditioning filter, remove it and wash it in warm, soap water. Let it dry before putting it back in place. You should first place a drop cloth or newspapers on the floor around the lamp. A lot of built up dust will fall off of the ceiling fan.  Take a damp paper towel and a step stool. Stand on top of the stool and gently wipe down the built up dust on the fan's blades. Make sure the device is turned off first. This is one case where a mild cleanser should be applied to a microfiber cloth, as the dust will likely be stuck on. Wet your cloth with a mild cleanser and gently wipe off the remaining dust on the fan's blades.

SUMMARY:
Dust off electronics. Get dust off of plush toys. Remove dust behind appliances. Get dust out of vents. Eliminate dust on a ceiling fan.