Is used as a catalyst in reactions to form polymers, in manufacturingĬhlorine and caustic soda, and in extracting gold from ore. In the chemical and mining industries, mercury (e.g., alkaline batteries, electrical switches, lights), inĭental amalgrams, and in medical equipment (e.g., thermometers,Įlectroanalysis). Metallic mercury has many applications in the electrical industry Sources/UsesĮlemental mercury is inexpensively producedīy heating mercury-containing ores and condensing the vapor. Significant oxidation and subsequent absorption. Sufficient quantities of ingested elemental mercury to allow Such as enteric fistulas or intestinal perforation can sequester Is essentially nontoxic when ingested because virtually none IngestionĮlemental mercury, a liquid at room temperature, Skin/Eye ContactĪbsorbed through the skin in high concentrations, but causes irritation of both skinĪnd eyes and may produce contact dermatitis. May be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same locationīecause of their short stature and the higher levels of mercury They have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios and Of mercury vapor as adults may receive larger doses because Mercury vapor is heavier than air and may therefore accumulate in poorly ventilated or low-lying areas. Neither liquid mercury nor mercury vapor has an odor and thus, chemical odor provides no warning of hazardous concentrations. Inhaled vapor is almost completely absorbed by the lungs about up to 80%. Inhalation of mercury vapor is the primary route of exposure to elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is nonflammable and has low solubility in both water and organic solvents. It is only slightly volatile at room temperatures and significantly more volatile when heated. At room temperature, metallic or elemental mercury is a heavy, shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid. This Medical Management Guideline focuses on elemental mercury. Adverse effects from exposure to mercury differ depending on the form and the route of exposure. There are three classes of mercury: metallic elemental mercury (quicksilver, Hg 0), inorganic mercurial salts (e.g., Hg 2Cl 2, Hg +, HgCl 2, Hg +2), and organic mercurials (e.g., methylmercury, phenylmercury). Mercury crosses the placenta and can be transferred to infants via breast milk. Virtually no elemental mercury is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or by the skin.
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