Mercury

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

This article discusses poisoning from mercury.

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

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.

Review Date: 12/06/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.