Who is the Greek god Mercury?

Who is the Greek god Mercury?

god Hermes

What is mercury in vaccines?

Mercury is a metal found naturally in the environment. Why is thimerosal used in some vaccines? Because it prevents the growth of dangerous microbes, thimerosal is used as a preservative in multi-dose vials of flu vaccines, and in two other childhood vaccines, it is used in the manufacturing process.

Why is mercury dangerous?

Health effects of mercury exposure The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal. The inorganic salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.

Can you vacuum up mercury?

Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury. The vacuum will put mercury into the air and increase exposure. Never use a broom to clean up mercury. It will break the mercury into smaller droplets and spread them.

Can mercury be washed out of clothing?

Never use a washing machine to launder clothing or other items that is visibly contaminated with mercury. Mercury can contaminate the washer and/or pollute waste water. If mercury is visible on clothing place it in a plastic bag and seal for disposal.

Is breaking a mercury thermometer dangerous?

A broken mercury-containing thermometer can be toxic if the vapors are inhaled. The risk of poisoning from touching or swallowing mercury from a broken thermometer is low if appropriate clean-up measures are taken.

How long does Mercury stay in the body?

Mercury does not stay in the body forever. It takes about six months to a year to leave the bloodstream once exposure stops. Some researchers think mercury can permanently damage the nervous system in children.

Can mercury be absorbed through the skin?

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: Elemental mercury is toxic primarily through inhalation of mercury vapors. It is only slowly absorbed through the skin, although it may cause skin and eye irritation.

Where does liquid mercury come from?

Mercury, a liquid metal – once widely referred to as quick silver – is a naturally occurring element released by volcanoes and the weathering of rocks. But most of the mercury that is responsible for polluting Minnesota lakes and the fish that live in them originates as air pollution from coal-burning power plants.