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Mercury is a dangerous metal found in many everyday objects, including medical equipment, electrical switches, and pesticides. It can cause severe brain damage and respiratory disorders, and is released into the environment through coal burning and hazardous waste disposal. Pregnant women and predators that feed on fish or birds are particularly at risk. Its use should be reduced to minimize its effects.
Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is one of only four metals that remain liquid at room temperature. Used for centuries in the medical industry, it has now become known as an environmental hazard and has raised concerns about its use in industrial settings. It is one of the most dangerous metals known.
Along with lead, mercury causes thousands of poisonings a year, nearly all of which are caused by broken thermometers and simple household items, such as broken fluorescent light bulbs and some latex paints. This metal is also found in electrical switches, some art materials, blood pressure cuffs, and dental amalgams. Many fungicides and pesticides also contain mercury. There are several common medications and vaccines that contain small amounts as an essential ingredient. The United States Food and Drug Administration website has a complete list of items that contain this metal.
When mercury enters the body, it affects the central nervous system, damaging the kidneys and causing severe brain damage. Vapors cause serious respiratory disorders, including pneumonia. Much of the damage caused by this metal is irreversible.
Mercury is released into the environment by several processes, including coal burning and hazardous waste disposal. If the metal gets into the water supply, it causes a double trouble, as it eventually builds up in fish that are eventually consumed by people. As a result, many types of fish now contain dangerous enough levels of mercury to be considered a serious hazard. In fact, methylmercury is a leading cause of mercury poisoning in humans today. The environmental presence of this metal also has an effect on birds, which are known to experience delayed development and even death from mercury exposure. Consequently, predators that feed mainly on fish or birds are also at risk.
Pregnant women exposed to mercury have a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects and developmental problems. Because this metal can cause severe brain damage, it has been linked to ADD and other common learning and behavioral problems.
Also, part of the danger of this metal is that it is still used in many objects that are part of everyday life. By reducing the presence of mercury, its effects can also be reduced.
