What is Mercury?

How Toxic is Mercury?

How Are People Exposed to Mercury?

How to Protect Yourself From Mercury Exposure

Health Effects

Main Symptoms

What to Do if a Mercury Spill Occurs

Mercury Information Home

What is Mercury?

Mercury (also known as quicksilver) is a silvery white, poisonous, metallic element which is an extremely heavy liquid at room temperature. Metallic mercury is used in thermometers, batteries, some children's sneakers that light up, some household thermostats, some heirloom clocks, barometers, vapor lamps, and blood pressure cuffs. While mercury in thermometers poses little threat, a portable blood pressure gauge may hold 2-1/2 pounds of mercury. That is enough to cause great concern if spilled. Commercial uses of mercury include the manufacture of chemical pesticides and mercury compounds.