Is mercury dangerous when you touch it?

Answer 1

Mercury will not only irritate your skin. Mercury evaporates, and can be inhailed without knowig. so it is not a good idea to expose Mercury since it is toxic and evaporates at room temperature.

Answer 2

In its normal liquid state, at room temperature, and when kept in the right container or dish, it's pretty harmless. In my high school science class we were given vials of mercury to "play" with, rolling beads around the desk, dividing them up with little bits of paper or a toothpick. HOWEVER, it can be absorbed through the skin, especially through an open cut, so prolonged contact is NOT good. Also, the little drops can be divided up and get smaller and smaller until the point where they seep into your clothes, furniture, etc.

Older electrical switches (including wall switches) contained glass tubes of mercury, so when renovating or handling old equipment like that, gloves are strongly advised.

Mercury vapor is VERY bad when inhaled or absorbed.

Answer 3

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Contact can lead to small amounts being absorbed.

Answer 4

because its poiseness