Elavhõbedat

Elavhõbedat, also known as mercury or quicksilver, is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white metal that is highly volatile and toxic.

Historically, mercury has been used in a variety of applications, including thermometers, barometers, and manometers due to its ability to expand and contract uniformly with temperature changes. It was also used in dentistry for amalgam fillings, in batteries, and in some electrical switches. Due to its toxicity, many of these uses have been phased out or are strictly regulated in many parts of the world.

Mercury exists in several forms, including elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds. Elemental mercury is the liquid metal. Inorganic mercury compounds, such as mercuric chloride, are often white crystalline solids. Organic mercury compounds, like methylmercury, are particularly hazardous and can bioaccumulate in food chains, posing risks to human and wildlife health.

Exposure to mercury can occur through inhalation of vapors, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or skin contact. Symptoms of mercury poisoning vary depending on the type and level of exposure, but can include neurological damage, kidney damage, and developmental problems. Minamata disease, a severe neurological disorder, was caused by severe mercury poisoning from industrial wastewater in Japan.

Environmental concerns regarding mercury include its release from natural sources like volcanoes and from human activities such as burning coal, mining, and the improper disposal of mercury-containing products. Once in the environment, mercury can transform into methylmercury, which can enter the food web. Efforts are underway globally to reduce mercury emissions and exposure.