Is a metal, but liquid at room temperature. It has an appreciable vapour pressure at room temperature meaning mercury vapour is released and so can be inhaled. Mercury can be absorbed through the skin.
Mercury has a number of unusual properties which mean it has a variety of uses including:
* A cathode in electrolysis of brine to create chlorine
* Temperature measurement devices
* Electrical switch gear
* Light bulbs
* As amalgam for dental uses
* Manufacture of many compounds.
Possible symptoms from an acute exposure include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, kidney damage and death.
Potential symptoms from a chronic exposure include inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive salivation, loosening of the teeth, kidney damage, muscle tremors, jerky gait, spasms of the extremities, personality changes, depression, irritability and nervousness.
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