For education purposes

1. MERCURY:
Understanding Its Form
s and Effects on Living
Organisms

2. MERCURY
 Mercury is a chemical element with th
e symbol (Hg) and atomic number (80)
. it is a silvery-white metal that is liquid
at room temperature and is the only m
etallic element that is a liquid under st
andard conditions. Mercury is a highly
toxic substance that can cause serious
health problem, particularly when inge
sted or inhaled. It is used in a variety o
f industrial and scientific applications,s
uch as thermometers, barometers, an
d electrical switches, but its use has b
een increasingly restricted due to its to
xic effects.

3. There are three main forms of merc
ury
 Metallic /element mercury: this is the form of mercury that is a s
hiny, silver-colored liquid at room temperature. It is commonly u
sed in thermometers, barometer, and electrical switches.
 Inorganic mercury: this form of mercury include mercury salts a
nd other compounds, which are typically white powders or cryst
als. Inorganic mercury is often used in industry and can be foun
d in certain household products such as: batteries, fluorescent, l
ight bulbs, and some cosmetics
 Organic mercury: this form of mercury include methyl-mercury a
nd ethyl-mercury, which are formed when mercury combined wi
th carbon-containing compounds. Organic mercury is particularl
y dangerous because it can accumulate in the food chain, partic
ularly in fish, and can cause serious health problem if ingested.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF
MERCURY
1. Volcanic Activity

5. ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF
MERCURY
2. Industrial Emissions

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF
MERCURY
3. Fossil Fuel Combustion

7. ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF
MERCURY
4. Waste Disposal

8. ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF
MERCURY
5. Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

9. Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
1. Neurological damage: Mercury can damage the
central nervous system, leading to tremors, memo
ry loss, and irritability. It can also affect the periph
eral nervous system, causing numbness, tingling,
and weakness in the extremities.
2. Developmental delays: Exposure to mercury du
ring pregnancy can cause developmental delays i
n children, affecting their cognitive abilities, langua
ge skills, and motor functions.
3. Kidney damage: Mercury can damage the kidne
ys, leading to impaired kidney function and other r
elated health problems.

10. Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
4. Cardiovascular problems: High levels of mercury in t
he body can lead to cardiovascular problems such as h
eart attacks, high blood pressure, and irregular heartb
eats.
5. Respiratory problems: Exposure to mercury vapor c
an cause respiratory problems, including coughing, sh
ortness of breath, and bronchitis.
6. Other health problems: Mercury exposure has also
been linked to other health problems such as autoimm
une disorders, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.