Mercury (Hg)

Mercury (symbol Hg; atomic #80)

Mercury is a transition element that is a liquid at room temperature. It was first discovered by the French chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, and ranks 67th in abundance in the earth’s crust.

   Mercury has many practical uses because of its conductivity and liquid nature. Often mercury is used as the primary mechanism in thermometers, barometers, electronic sensors and switches.

   Mercury Vapor - In 1990, a report detailed elevated levels of mercury in people that were exposed to interior latex (water-based) paint. It was determined that the paint preservative known as PMA contained toxic levels of mercury vapors that was causing sensitive people to become sick. The EPA had initiated standards on the presence of mercury compounds in indoor latex paints, requiring all paints containing mercury to be labeled "For Exterior Use Only". In September of 1991, PMA was officially forbidden in the use of outdoor paints.

The key symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• Muscle cramps or Tremors
• Headache
• Intermittent fever
• Personality change
• Neurological dysfunction