Mercury vapor poisoning can be acute or chronic.
Most health effects result from chronic exposure.
Symptoms of chronic overexposure are inflammation of gums and mouth, excessive salivation or metallic taste, and tremors, particularly of the hands. The symptoms of acute exposure are bronchitis, cough, chest pain, and irritability. Safety Procedures for Handling Mercury Spills Evaluate the Spill For large spills of mercury such as broken manometers, immediately call UC Davis Fire Department at 911 . Small spills of mercury such as broken thermometers should be cleaned up promptly by laboratory personnel. Close doors to the area and wait outside the door for HazMat responders.