On the periodic table, mercury is represented by the symbol “Hg”, with an atomic number of eighty. This specific element is different from others, as it can exist in various forms. Mercury can be found as elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, or methylmercury. The most common is elemental mercury, often called “metallic” mercury, as it boasts a shiny, silver-white exterior, and has historically been referred to as quicksilver, as it is a liquid when stored at room temperature. This form of mercury has been utilized in older thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and even electrical switches. When elemental mercury is dropped, it breaks into smaller droplets that can become strongly attached to several materials. While some types of mercury are more toxic than others, all forms are extremely dangerous.
MERCURY: SOURCES
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is located in rock, found in the Earth’s crust, in addition to deposits of coal. Other natural sources of mercury include such as volcanoes, geothermal springs, geologic deposits, and the ocean. Nevertheless, human activities such as coal combustion, waste incineration, industrial uses, and mining can cause mercury to be emitted.
Research has shown that most of the mercury that is responsible for polluting the lakes in Minnesota, that has posed challenges for the fish originates as air pollution from coal burning power plants. Due to the toxic properties of mercury, many states have banned products including the element, however mercury is still used in several different industries to produce chlorine gas, caustic soda, thermometers, barometers, batteries, and electrical switches.
The symptoms that an individual experiences will depend on which form of mercury they ingested, and in what quantity. In most cases, exposure to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and immune system.. Neurological and behavioral disorders are likely to be seen after inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure to different mercury compounds, which may cause tremors, insomnia, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction. Most human exposure to mercury comes from the consumption of fish and shellfish, which is contaminated with methylmercury, both in the United States and worldwide.
While mercury poisoning tends to occur from eating certain types of seafood, studies done by the United Nations has shown that individuals in developing countries face increased health and environmental risks linked to mercury exposure. Parts of Africa, Asia, and South America are seeing large emissions of mercury into their surroundings, primarily due to the use of the element in small-scale gold mining, and the burning of coal for electricity generation. Moreover, workers in industrial settings, where mercury is utilized or produced, are also subjected to larger amounts of mercury, which may lead to several health issues.
Mercury has raised many concerns, particularly on the effect it can have on aquatic ecosystems. The element is very easily absorbed into the food chain, as methylmercury can cross into the biological membranes of organisms, and can accumulate to harmful concentrations, allowing it to become increasingly concentrated up the food chain. When human beings consume different species of fish and shellfish that have been exposed to mercury, this can cause them to have serious health problems.
MERCURY: CRITICAL CASE: HANOVER, NH
In the year of 1997, a research chemist known worldwide for her impressive studies at Dartmouth College, passed away at the age of forty eight, due to poisoning from a few drops of a potent neurotoxin she spilled on her lab glove. Karen Wetterhahn was studying the effects of heavy metals on living organisms, and when she was attempting to measure the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of dimethyl mercury, the accident occurred. For the first five months, Karen Wetterhahn did not think too seriously of the mishap, however she began having trouble with balance, speech, vision, and hearing. After being hospitalized for mercury poisoning, she quickly went into a coma, and unfortunately did not survive.
Fact sheet about mercury, published by the Agency For Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR), which answers the most frequently asked questions about mercury, and its health effects.Read more