Mercury is a heavy silver liquid and has no odor, taste, or other warning properties. Mercury is toxic. Some forms can be highly toxic especially upon reaction with other chemicals. For this reason, it is essential that mercury be stored, handled, and disposed of properly. Symptoms of Exposure Short exposures to high levels of mercury vapor can cause acute poisoning, characterized by tightness and pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing, fever and headaches, bronchitis, lung inflammation, digestive disturbance, and kidney damage.
Acute poisoning is rare.
Much more common among workers is chronic poisoning caused by long term exposure to low levels of mercury. Steady exposure can cause a slow buildup of mercury in the body that results in illness, personality changes, and eventual disability. Symptoms of chronic poisoning include tremors, psychic disturbances such as insomnia, irritability and indecision, headache, fatigue, muscular weakness, stomach ache, excessive salivation, digestive disturbances, anorexia, weight loss, inability to absorb protein, and eye and skin irritation. Some elemental mercury is used mainly in scientific instruments for precision measurements. Managers and supervisors must notify the Safety and Training Department before beginning new processes involving mercury or mercury compounds.