Mercury

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, has been known since ancient times and is represented in the periodic [Page 671]table by the symbol “Hg,” which stands for hydrargyrus, or liquid silver, in Latin. It is a silvery transitional metal that is liquid at or near standard room temperature. Mercury has many uses, both in homes and in industry, and it has also been used as a medicine, although it has been acknowledged as being toxic to humans.

Mercury exists predominantly in three forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. Methylmercury is the most important organic form of mercury in terms of human health effects. It has a high affinity for the brain, particularly the posterior cortex. It is neurotoxic (damaging to the nervous system), toxic to the developing fetus, ...