elavhõbeda

Elavhõbe is the Estonian word for mercury. Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly called hydrargyrum. A heavy, silvery-white liquid metal at room temperature, mercury is the only element that is liquid under standard conditions. It is also known as native mercury. Mercury occurs in cinnabar deposits and is extracted by heating the ore in the presence of iron.

Mercury is toxic and its vapor is particularly hazardous. Exposure can cause serious neurological damage, and it bioaccumulates in the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Historically, mercury was used in various applications, including thermometers, barometers, and in dentistry as amalgam. Due to its toxicity, many of these uses have been phased out or are strictly regulated in many parts of the world.

Despite its toxicity, mercury has some limited modern uses. It is found in fluorescent lamps, some electrical switches, and in certain types of batteries. Research continues into methods for its safe removal and remediation from contaminated sites. The global effort to reduce mercury pollution is coordinated through international agreements like the Minamata Convention on Mercury.