Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white, poisonous metal with various uses, including in thermometers, barometers, and gold mining. It is extracted from cinnabar and is found mainly in Europe. Mercury is associated with birth defects, neurological damage, and kidney damage. It was used in the manufacture of felt hats, leading to the phrase “mad as a hatter.” However, it is also used in hospital laboratories for urinalysis and fixatives.
Mercury is a metallic element with atomic number 80 and symbol Hg, from the Latin hydragyrus, which means “liquid silver”. In the periodic table of elements it is found in group 12, just below cadmium, and in period 6 between gold and thallium. It is referred to as a “transition metal”. It is a heavy element which is liquid at room temperature. Described as silvery-white in color, it is poisonous.
Scientists don’t know who discovered mercury, but it was already recognized in ancient times. The extraction process was first described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC). His name, for the Roman god Mercury, reflects that time period.
This element is often obtained from cinnabar. The process by which steam is extracted from cinnabar is called roasting. It is then condensed to collect it in liquid form. Mercury is found mainly in Europe, in Spain, Italy and in the area of the former Yugoslavia. About 8,400 tonnes (7,620 tons) are produced annually.
Mercury has many uses. It is the usual liquid in thermometers, barometers and blood pressure monitors and is used in esophageal dilators, batteries, paints, plastics and pesticides. Its vapor is also used in lamps and the element is used in the gold mining industry.
This liquid metal is highly toxic. It is associated with birth defects in children and with neurological damage, kidney damage and blindness with subsequent exposure.
Today, contaminated fish is a major source of mercury exposure outside of industry. In the past, the element was used in the manufacture of felt hats. Mercury poisoning was, therefore, an occupational hazard of a hatter, leading to the phrase “mad as a hatter” and the character of the Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the pseudonym of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.
However, mercury does have some health uses. Its inorganic salts are components of some products that stem the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is also used in hospital laboratories in urinalysis and fixatives.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
