Chicago Premises Liability Attorney

Mercury Poisoning

Mercury, known by its elemental symbol Hg, or its alternative name quicksilver, is the only known metal which is naturally liquid at room temperature. Mercury is highly toxic to humans in all forms, and can be absorbed into the body through the skin, by ingestion, or through the respiratory system.

Symptoms and Effects

Mercury poisoning is often misdiagnosed by doctors and medical professionals, because its early symptoms are so nonspecific, such as swelling, flushing, and rashes. Other symptoms include profuse sweating, a rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness, mood swings, impaired speech and motor skills, and high blood pressure.

Exposure to mercury is highly dangerous. Over long periods of time, mercury builds up in bodily systems, causing permanent brain damage, memory loss, kidney damage, and death.

Sources of Mercury

Mercury is surprisingly widely used, considering its dangerous and toxic nature. Recently, concerns and controversy have arisen over mercury in dental fillings and tuna fish. Dental fillings, also known as amalgam, contain mercury as part of a metal mixture designed to be malleable yet quick-drying and durable. Contamination of fish as a result of ocean pollution is also a controversial issue; many experts advise pregnant women against consuming large amounts of fish. In the past, mercury has also been used in fungicides, antiseptics, cosmetics, as preservatives in certain vaccines, and as an antimildew agent in paints.

For more information, contact a Chicago premises liability attorney at the offices of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200.