What is Mercury – A Brief Overview

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is classed as a transition metal. It’s the smallest and innermost planet in the Solar System, and it’s also the only planet that has no moons. It’s the second-densest planet after Earth, and one of the oldest in the Solar system. Its orbit around the Sun takes just 88 Earth days. Its chemical symbol is Hg and its atomic number is 80.

One unique property of mercury is that it is liquid at room temperature. This makes it the only metal that is liquid at this temperature. It is extremely dense, almost 13.5 times denser than water. It can be found in its pure form in nature as well as within some compounds. It is a silver color, similar to silver but it can become gray or yellow when exposed to light or heat.

Mercury’s Effects on Human Health

Mercury is a highly toxic element and can cause severe health effects when ingested or inhaled. It can accumulate in living organisms and in the environment, which increases the risk of contamination of food and drinking water supplies. The amount necessary for poisoning depends on the form of mercury and the route of exposure.

Inhaling mercury vapors can cause neurological damage, including nervousness, trembling, headaches and memory loss. Children are particularly vulnerable as mercury can damage their developing nervous systems. Long-term exposure to mercury can cause kidney and liver damage and even death.

Improving Mercury Pollution

Mercury has been extensively studied and the effects of it on the environment and human health are well understood. This has prompted action from both governments and corporations to limit mercury emissions from industrial sources and reduce its general use. Regulations and control technologies have been put in place to reduce mercury exposure but, in addition, awareness campaigns have been launched and education on the risks of mercury has been spread.

There are various global initiatives and policies that are in place or in the process of being implemented to limit mercury pollution. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty negotiated in 2013, set binding targets to reduce, or where feasible, eliminate mercury pollution and exposure.

Conclusion

Mercury is a toxic element that can have severe health effects if ingested, inhaled or transmitted through the environment. It is a naturally occurring element, but it can increase the risk of contamination of food and water supplies as it accumulates in living organisms. Various policies and initiatives have been put in place to reduce mercury pollution and exposure, and there has been an increased focus on awareness and education about the potential risks of mercury.