Health Effects
Mercury is highly toxic, primarily when metabolized into methyl mercury. It may be fatal if inhaled and harmful if absorbed through the skin. Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic and you should always handle it with care. In cases of spills involving mercury, such as from thermometers or sphygmomanometers, use specific cleaning procedures to avoid exposure to mercury.
Mercury exposure can have both acute and chronic health effects.
Acute Exposure
Acute exposure (short-term effects) to mercury may result in many health effects, including:
- chills
- nausea
- general malaise
- tightness in the chest
- chest pains
- dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- cough
- stomatitis (inflammation or sore inside the mouth)
- gingivitis
- salivation
- diarrhea
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure (long-term effects) to mercury may result in the following:
- weakness
- fatigue
- anorexia
- weight loss
- disturbance of gastrointestinal function
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1-3. What is a symptom of chronic exposure to mercury?
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