Mercury is a bright silvery metal with a melting point of -38.8 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 356.7 degrees Celsius. It is one of the four transition metals of the transition series of element, which includes mercury, thallium, lead, and bismuth. It is the only metal element which is liquid at room temperature. Mercury has many uses and is a major component of products ranging from thermometers to car batteries.
Mercury has been long known as a toxic element, particularly dangerous to human health, though its limits of exposure have been established recently. It is now believed to be particularly toxic to children and pregnant women, who should take special precautions to avoid contact with the metal. Mercury has been known to kill people who become too exposed to its fumes during mining or refining activities.
For many centuries people have used mercury in various ways, ranging from mining and refining to the manufacture of products such as mirrors and thermometers. But in recent years its adverse effects on health have become more widely known. It is now known that mercury vapor fumes can cause damage to the central nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms such as unsteadiness, twitching and tremors, excessive salivation and involuntary movements. At high concentrations, longer periods of exposure can even cause paralysis, coma, and death.
Because of its extreme toxicity, mercury exposure is regulated by many countries around the world. In particular, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established limits on the amount of mercury that can legally be released into the air, water, and soil. These regulations are intended to prevent the public from suffering health consequences from exposure to mercury.
Mercury can enter the body in many ways, including inhalation of mercury vapor, ingestion of food or water contaminated with mercury, and skin exposure to mercury-containing compounds. Fortunately, the human body has some defenses against mercury. For example, the kidneys can excrete some of the absorbed mercury, though this is not a permanent solution, as mercury can eventually accumulate in the body and cause damage to organs, such as the brain and lungs.
Overall, mercury is a dangerous element whose potential health risks should not be taken lightly. Therefore, exposure to mercury should be limited whenever possible, and people who work with mercury should take extra precautions to avoid contact with the element. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and goggles can help reduce exposure to the element and help protect you from its adverse effects.
