In this document, mercury refers to elemental mercury as well as compounds which contain mercury. Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. 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.