What are the hazards of mercury to the human body

Everyone knows about mercury. We talked about it in chemistry class. Mercury is also a substance we often use in our daily lives. Reasonable use will be helpful to our lives. However, we must take protective measures after it is broken, because mercury is harmful to our body, and the harm is particularly great. This must be paid attention to in life. Let us understand what harm mercury does to the human body?

Mercury, commonly known as quicksilver, is a silvery white liquid at room temperature. Mercury and most of its compounds are poisonous. In our daily lives, many items are related to mercury. For example, all kinds of fluorescent lamps contain mercury; electronic products such as computer monitors also contain a certain amount of mercury. Experts point out that mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Once the items containing it are broken, the mercury will evaporate. Moreover, its adsorption capacity is particularly good. Mercury vapor is easily absorbed by walls, clothing, etc., becoming a source of continuous air pollution. Although inhaling a small amount of it will not cause much harm to the body, inhaling it in large quantities for a long time will cause mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can be divided into acute and chronic types. Acute poisoning has symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hematuria; chronic poisoning is mainly manifested by oral inflammation, muscle tremors, and mental disorders.

Once items containing mercury are broken, the mercury will form a sphere and roll down. At this time, first turn off all indoor heating devices and open the windows for ventilation; then put on gloves and use a small shovel to collect the mercury and bury it deep, or sprinkle some sulfur powder on it. Sulfur and mercury react to form mercury sulfide, which is not easily soluble in water, and the harm will be greatly reduced. Since mercury can evaporate into gas at room temperature, it can easily be inhaled into the respiratory tract and cause poisoning. Therefore, it is best to wear a mask when handling mercury scattered on the ground. If the wound is exposed to mercury, you should go to the poisoning prevention and treatment department of the hospital for examination and receive treatment if poisoning occurs.

The above is an introduction to the harm of mercury to the human body. If the items we use in daily life are broken and mercury is exposed, we must take correct methods to deal with them and avoid mercury poisoning. In addition, we must be careful when using items in normal times and try not to come into contact with mercury.