Mercury

Definition

This article discusses poisoning from mercury.

Poisonous Ingredient

There are three different forms of mercury that cause health problems.

• Elemental mercury, also known as liquid mercury or quick silver
• Inorganic mercury salts
• Organic mercury

Where Found

Elemental mercury can be found in:

• Glass thermometers
• Electrical switches
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Older dental fillings
• Some medical equipment

Inorganic mercury can found in:

• Chemistry labs
• Some disinfectants
• Folk culture medicines
• Red cinnabar mineral

Organic mercury can be found in:

• Older antiseptics, such as red mercurochrome (merbromin) -- this substance is now banned by the FDA
• Thimerosal
• Fumes from burning coal converted into organic mercury by certain organisms
• Fish that have eaten a form of organic mercury called methylmercury -- see article on methylmercury

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

References

Sue YJ. Mercury. In: Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2002:1239-1247.

Ford MD. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001: 732-742.

Foulke JE. Mercury in Fish: A Cause for Concern. FDA Consumer Magazine. September 1994.