Chemicals
Mercury Health Effects
Acute (short term) exposure: Acute exposure to high levels of mercury can cause severe respiratory irritation, digestive disturbances, and marked renal damage.
Long and short term exposure to mercury can cause health issues.
Acute inhalation of mercury vapor may also result in health issues, including:
- chills
- nausea
- general malaise (feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness)
- tightness in the chest
- chest pains
- dyspnea (difficulty breathing or shortness of breath)
- cough
- stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth and lips)
- gingivitis
- salivation
- diarrhea
Chronic (long term) exposure: Chronic exposure to mercury may result in the following:
- weakness
- fatigue
- anorexia
- weight loss
- disturbance of gastrointestinal function
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-9. Which of the following is listed as an acute health effect of mercury?
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