Organic mercury, ingested by eating contaminated fish or grain, may cause greater harm to the brain and to developing fetuses than to kidneys. Exposure to elemental mercury and its vapor may cause greater harm to the brain, while inorganic mercury salts in water supplies and contaminated foods may affect kidneys to a greater extent. Medical professionals test for mercury poisoning by drawing blood and taking urine samples, then examining the specimens with special laboratory equipment. The tests are reliable, accurate and easily available. Chelation therapy involves introducing a chemical into the bloodstream that combines with mercury to aid in removing the metal from the body.
Any disturbance causes the mercury to break into even smaller droplets.
As the droplets become smaller, the mercury vaporizes and can be easily inhaled. Even a very small quantity of mercury spilled in a room will produce vapor concentrations that are dangerous to human health. Promptly turn off central heating or cooling systems. Be sure to seal the heating and air-conditioning ducts. If available use fans for a minimum of one hour to help ventilate the room.