Element
mercury
mer·cu·ry [ mur-kyuh-ree ]
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A naturally occurring trace metalloid element and known neurotoxin with atomic symbol Hg, atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury has been used in manufacturing, as well as in dental and medical equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides. It is characterized as a heavy, silvery-white metallic liquid at room temperature that is odorless. Exposure occurs by inhalation of fumes, ingestion, or contact.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to MERCURY POISONING. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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A silver-white, poisonous metal that is a liquid at ordinary temperatures. It is commonly used in thermometers and amalgams, and has been used as an ingredient in some homeopathic medicines and in very small amounts as a preservative in viral vaccines.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Dental mercury is a device composed of mercury intended for use as a component of amalgam alloy in the restoration of a dental cavity or a broken tooth.Standard Product NomenclatureU.S Food & Drug Administration, 2003
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Mercury is an element that is found in air, water and soil. It has several forms. Metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid. If heated, it is a colorless, odorless gas. It also combines with other elements to form powders or crystals. Mercury is in many products. Metallic mercury is used in glass thermometers, silver dental fillings, and button batteries. Mercury salts may be used in skin creams and ointments. It's also used in many industries. Mercury in the air settles into water. It can pass through the food chain and build up in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish. The nervous system is sensitive to all forms of mercury. Exposure to high levels can damage the brain and kidneys. Pregnant women can pass the mercury in their bodies to their babies. It is important to protect your family from mercury exposure: Carefully handle and dispose of products that contain mercury; Limit your consumption of fish with higher levels of mercury. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature, atomic symbol Hg, atomic number 80; used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents; can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes; because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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