A Report On Mercury – Wonderful, But Dangerous Element

Mercury, an element of many wonders, but also dangerous. Mercury, the name derives from the Latin word hydrargyrum, meaning “liquid silver”. It has 80 protons, 121 neutrons, and 80 electrons. It has an atomic number of 80 and an atomic mass of 200. 59. It is a metal. It has a melting point of -38. 89 C, and a boiling point of 356. 7 C. As a liquid, the metal is so heavy, it cannot spread out, unlike water. Mercury cannot be burned itself, but can produce toxic fumes. And is very reactive with anything containing oxygen. Mercury, known even back to the ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations, is one of the heaviest metals on the planet. Some mercury has been found in Egyptian tombs, and some ancient Chinese tools. This was between 2500 - 1500 BCE. However, we do not which exact person discovered mercury. As we move on to the Greeks, they unfortunately used it in ointments and other cosmetics. Same thing with the Romans. Then around 1564 in Huancavelica, Peru, colonial cinnabar mining began. Then in the 1570’s, they used mercury to make it easier to find silver.

This process is called amalgamation. This did consequently release large quantities of mercury into the environment. By the 1700’s through the late 1800’s, mercury was used in felt hats. Mad Hatter in “Alice In Wonderland”, is based on mercury - containing felt hats, as this would often lead to mercury poisoning. Modern day, you can find mercury in scientific tools, some light switches, thermostats, and even in dental filling. It is also found in cameras, lamps, batteries, and pesticides/insecticides. It is also used in some paints and as a pigment. Lately, because of concerns of mercury poisoning from these products, people have been protesting to make these mercury - containing products illegal worldwide. There are three types of mercury. Elemental mercury (liquid), inorganic, and organic. Elemental mercury is the most common. Inorganic mercury would come in the form of cinnabar. Then organic mercury would be any compounds mixed with mercury. Elemental mercury is a silvery white liquid that is processed cinnabar. Inorganic mercury would come in the form of cinnabar. This is where you would find the red mercury in scientific tools. Cinnabar is the chief ore of mercury, and because of this, it is the most dangerous mineral on earth. Mercury has four isotopes. These include 80 Hg, 202 Hg, 194 Hg, and 203 Hg. 194 Hg is a radioactive isotope, with a half life of 444 years. It then decays into stable gold. The most common isotope is 202 Hg. It has oxidation numbers of 1 and 2. It is mostly found in hypothermal vents/veins. It is also found in volcanic regions. When it comes to health effects, it’s quite lethal. The three different varieties of mercury cause different symptoms. In elemental mercury, it is so thick and slippery, it will most of the time cause no symptoms.

However, if breathed in via vapors, expect the following symptoms. A metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, difficulty breathing, bad cough, and swollen, bleeding gums. If larger amounts are inhaled, permanent lung damage, and death may occur. Long term or permanent brain damage may also occur. Unlike elemental mercury, inorganic mercury is very poisonous when swallowed. Symptoms include severe burning of the throat and stomach, and bloody diarrhea/ vomiting. If the mercury enters the bloodstream, permanent kidney/ brain damage can occur. This can lead to death. Organic mercury poisoning is from prolonged exposure and having a high seafood diet. Symptoms take time to appear. Symptoms include numbness or pain in certain areas of skin, extreme tremors, difficulty walking, blindness and double vision, memory problems, and seizures and death in large amounts. Pregnant women exposed to mercury could lead to brain damage to the baby, and developmental, speech, awareness, and mobility issues/ delays to the infant.