Mercury is an element and cannot be broken down into harmless components. Children should be cautioned not to play with mercury. The most universal effect of mercury is damage to the nervous system. Mental instability, dizziness, numbness in the limbs and personality changes such as nervousness, increased excitability or insomnia may occur after exposure to mercury vapors. The history of mercury and its toxic effects date back to the fifteenth century B.C. Criminals sentenced to work in mercury mines had a life expectancy of three years.
Children are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury.
In pregnant women, mercury easily crosses the placental barrier and concentrates in the fetus more readily than in the mother. Thus, a pregnant woman exposed to toxic levels of mercury may not exhibit any signs of mercury poisoning, but her child may be born with brain damage similar to cerebral palsy. Children develop the symptoms of mercury poisoning more quickly and severely than adults. Neurological symptoms are very similar to those seen in adults. Children also may develop a bright red reash with sheets of peeling skin.