Mercury Hg

Atomic Number: 80
Atomic Mass: 200.59
Half-life: 8.2 mins to 520 years

Forms:

• Metallic mercury (elemental) and mercury vapor
• Inorganic (chlorine, sulfur, oxygen) salts
• Organic (carbon) e.g. methyl mercury (micro organisms
• covert inorganic mercury to methyl mercury)

Source:

• Tuna, other fish
• Dental amalgams
• Mercury from thermometers
• Coal combustion
• Vaccines containing thimergol

Adverse Effects:

• Neurotoxicity (tremors, inco-ordination, memory loss, decreased mentation)
• Personality changes (irritability, shyness, nervousness)
• Nephrotoxicity
• Tachycardia, hypertension
• More toxic in children, affects developing brain and nervous systems