A Simple Retort
Practical Action
Remove source of heat and allow the retort to cool down using a wet cloth or water, but taking
care to keep the “cloth tube” connected at the end of the pipe submerged in water to avoid
mercury gas from escaping.
With the retort vertically with the discharge end still submerged in the water (as Figure 6), tap the
pipe with a stick to dislodge any mercury still in the pipe.
Remove the retort from the water and cover the discharge end immediately with the wooden
stopper.
Allow the distilling chamber to cool first before proceeding to remove the gold.
Unscrew the plug and remove the gold. Screw the plug back immediately and remember to keep
the retort fitted tightly together at all times after use, as some of the mercury will remain trapped.
Transfer the recovered mercury to a proper container. To prevent evaporation of mercury while
being stored, put a layer of water over the mercury.
Store the container and the retort safely, out of sunlight, away from heat and out of reach of
children.
First aid treatment for mercury poisoning
1. Inhalation Remove the victim to a cool, well ventilated area; lay him on his back; loosen collar
and belt; speak reassuringly; if victim is coughing badly, make him inhale (breathe) through a
clean cloth soaked with a little ethyl alcohol or ether.
2. Swallowing Make the victim rinse his mouth with cold water; take him to a cool, well ventilated
area; loosen collar and belt; give plenty of water to drink; induce vomiting; if possible, feed with
milk and raw egg, raw egg alone or table oil.
3. Skin contact Remove clothing on affected area, wash affected area with running water; rinse
and dry carefully.
4. Eye contact Wash affected eye immediately under running water with eyelids held wide apart
and the victim's eyes moving in every direction; continue washing to be sure no particles of
mercury remain in the eye; prevent victim from rubbing eyes.
Notes: In all cases of mercury poisoning, refer victim to a doctor after giving First Aid. Never try
to make an unconscious person take a drink. Never use any oily substance or ointment without
medical advice.
Practical Action
The Schumacher Centre
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
This Technical Brief was written by Edmund Bugnosen for Practical Action and
updated by him in September 2007.
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