Very high mercury vapor concentrations can quickly cause severe lung damage. How Mercury Affects People’s HealthĮlemental mercury: The human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of elemental mercury are unknown. Methylmercury can pass through the placenta, exposing the developing fetus. Organic Mercury: People may be exposed when they eat fish or shellfish contaminated with methylmercury. Inorganic Mercury: People may be exposed if they work where inorganic mercury compounds are used. In the body, elemental mercury can be converted to inorganic mercury. Vapors may be present in such workplaces as dental offices, smelting operations, and locations where mercury has been spilled or released. How People Are Exposed to MercuryĮlemental mercury: People may be exposed when they breathe air containing elemental mercury vapors. Thimerosal and phenylmercuric acetate are other types of organic mercury compounds made in small amounts for use as preservatives. Microscopic organisms in water and soil can convert elemental and inorganic mercury into an organic mercury compound, methylmercury, which accumulates in the food chain. Organic mercury compounds are formed when mercury combines with carbon. ![]() Outside the United States, inorganic mercury salts have been used in cosmetic skin creams. Inorganic mercury compounds are used in some industrial processes and in the making of other chemicals. Inorganic mercury compounds can occur naturally in the environment. Inorganic mercury compounds are formed when mercury combines with other elements, such as sulfur or oxygen, to form compounds or salts. It is released into the air when coal and other fossil fuels are burned. ![]() It is used in some thermometers, dental amalgams, fluorescent light bulbs, some electrical switches, mining, and some industrial processes. The three forms are called elemental (or metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds.Įlemental mercury is liquid at room temperature. It exists in three forms that have different properties, usage, and toxicity. Mercury is an element and a metal that is found in air, water, and soil.
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