Elohopealla

Elohopealla is a Finnish term that translates to "mercury" in English. It refers to the chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. Mercury is a dense, silvery-white metal that is liquid at room temperature. It is unique among metals for its liquid state under standard conditions.

Historically, mercury has been used in various applications, including thermometers, barometers, and in the amalgamation process for extracting gold and silver. Its use in thermometers and barometers stemmed from its predictable expansion and contraction with temperature changes, and its high density. In dentistry, mercury was a component of dental amalgams, used for fillings. It has also been used in some electrical switches and fluorescent lighting.

However, due to its toxicity, the use of mercury has been significantly reduced. Mercury and its compounds are known neurotoxins and can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms, leading to serious health problems. Exposure can occur through inhalation of vapor, ingestion, or skin absorption. This toxicity has led to regulations and phase-outs of mercury in many products and industrial processes, such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury emissions and releases. While its widespread use has declined, mercury still finds applications in specific scientific instruments and some industrial processes where its unique properties are essential and exposure can be carefully controlled.