Mercury

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds.

Elemental or metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white metal and is liquid at room temperature. It is used in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and some electrical switches.

Inorganic mercury compounds take the form of mercury salts and are generally white powder or crystals, with the exception of mercuric sulfide (cinnabar) which is red. Inorganic mercury compounds have been included in products such as fungicides, antiseptics or disinfectants. Some skin lightening and freckle creams, as well as some traditional medicines, can contain mercury compounds.

High levels of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system.
Almost all people have at least trace amounts of mercury in their tissues, reflecting mercury’s widespread presence in the environment. People may be exposed to mercury in any of its forms under different situations. The primary way people in the U.S. are exposed to mercury is by eating fish or seafood containing methylmercury.