The following uses for mercury are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. Mercury is used in laboratories for making thermometers, barometers, diffusion pumps, and many other instruments. It is used for mercury switches and other electrical apparatus.
Gaseous mercury is used in mercury-vapour lamps and advertising signs.
Mercury is important in some types of industry, for instance for caustic soda and chlorine production. It is used for making some pesticides and antifouling paint. Mercury is also the basis of dental amalgams and preparations.