Mercury

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This article discusses poisoning from mercury.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

There are three different forms of mercury that cause health problems.

• Elemental mercury, also known as liquid mercury or quick silver
• Inorganic mercury salts
• Organic mercury

Elemental mercury can be found in:

• Glass thermometers
• Electrical switches
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Older dental fillings
• Some medical equipment

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Inorganic mercury can found in:

• Batteries
• Chemistry labs
• Some disinfectants
• Folk culture medicines
• Red cinnabar mineral

Organic mercury can be found in:

• Older germ-killers (antiseptics) such as red mercurochrome (merbromin) -- this substance is now banned by the FDA
• Thimerosal
• Fumes from burning coal converted into organic mercury by certain organisms
• Fish that have eaten a form of organic mercury called methylmercury

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Review Date: 01/16/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).