Mercury vapor is its most dangerous formĮven a simple thing such as a broken thermometer can lead to mercury poisoning. Mercury is no longer used in thermometers but was once very common Image: Fotolia/bzyxxĮxposure to mercury can cause a neurological disorder called erethism mercurialis, which can cause irritability and depression. It's a nerve poison that can cause sleep disorders, agitation and paralysis. If mercury vapor is inhaled, it is easily absorbed by the body, where it first gets into the lungs and from there into the blood and the brain. And when it vaporizes, it fills the air with tiny, invisible mercury atoms that are both scentless and soluble in oils or fats. The liquid form of mercury is especially dangerous because it vaporizes at room temperature. Later, it was florescent lamps and some early energy saving lamps. But it was also used in electrical switches or relays that were built into machines until the mid-20th century.
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