What are the dangers of mercury on the planet?

Answer 1

From Wikipedia:

"Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic and are generally handled with care; in cases of spills involving mercury (such as from certain thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs) specific cleaning procedures are used to avoid toxic exposure. It can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, so containers of mercury are securely sealed to avoid spills and evaporation. Heating of mercury, or compounds of mercury that may decompose when heated, is always carried out with adequate ventilation in order to avoid exposure to mercury vapor. The most toxic forms of mercury are its organic compounds, such as dimethylmercury and methylmercury. Mercury can cause both chronic and acute poisoning."

So, in short, if you are exposed to it, it is very dangerous. Examples of this include the origin of the phrase "mad as a hatter" - in the past hatters used Mercury to stiffen the hats, and due to the Mercury fumes, went insane as a result.

Answer 2

Mercury is toxic to humans and animals, causing neurological and developmental issues. It can also contaminate water sources and bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing a risk to ecosystems. Additionally, mercury emissions contribute to air pollution and harm the atmosphere.

Answer 3

because it is highly toxic

It is quite poisonous, as the original answer said it is quite toxic, it has an extremely low melting point, even at room temperature it is a liquid (although it is a metal, it just has a very low melting point). If anything breaks with mercury in it then it is advised to clean it up quite quickly.

If you touch it, you should wash the part of the body that was in contact with it. However, if you are simply near it, then you won't be hurt. Just don't touch!

Answer 4

The element Mercury is highly toxic to humans and is absorbed through the skin. As it is liquid at room temperature it is a very dangerous substance.

In compounds it's effects will differ.

Yes. Mercury is very toxic and can cause mercury poisoning, which is very serious.

Answer 5

The element Mercury is highly toxic to humans and is absorbed through the skin. As it is liquid at room temperature it is a very dangerous substance.

In compounds it's effects will differ.

Answer 6

Yes. Mercury is very toxic and can cause mercury poisoning, which is very serious.

Answer 7

The dangers in using mercury is that it is highly toxic and if iy gets on your skin you might have impure fantasies of pèople and that you might have terrible necessity to go to the toilet.

Answer 8

mercury is dangerous as it it really poisonous and toxic.

Answer 9

It's toxic to the human body and you don't want it mixing with the ground water.

Answer 10

Mercury is toxix by inhalation or ingestion; also many (but not all) compounds of mercury are toxic.

See the link below.