Mercury and mercury compounds

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-016958",
  "term": "Mercury and mercury compounds",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Mercury and Mercury Compounds",
  "definition": "1. Heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment and is highly toxic if breathed or swallowed.\n\n2. Metallic Mercury is a dense liquid that vaporizes easily at room temperature. Metallic mercury is not easily absorbed into unbroken skin. However, it vaporizes, even at room temperature. The higher the temperature, the more vapors are released. Mercury vapors are colorless and odorless, though they can be seen with the aid of an ultraviolet light. Metallic mercury is used to produce chlorine gas and caustic soda, and is also used in thermometers, dental fillings, and batteries. Mercury salts are sometimes used in skin lightening creams and as antiseptic creams and ointments.\n\n3. Mercury is an element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. A heavy, silvery element, mercury is the only metal that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Mercury is often associated with coal deposits.\n\n4. Element mercury, excluding any associated elements, and includes mercury in particulates, vapors, aerosols, and compounds. [40 CFR 61.51 (CFR 2013)]]\n\n5. A heavy metal that is highly toxic if breathed or swallowed. The organic form of mercury, methylmercury, bioaccumulates in ecosystems and can cause adverse effects on children exposed before birth or adults at higher concentrations. The largest human-generated source of mercury emissions in the United States is the burning of coal. Other sources include the combustion of waste and industrial processes that use mercury.\n\n6. Includes any unique chemical substance that contains mercury as part of that chemical's infrastructure.",
  "abbreviation": "Hg",
  "subject": "Chemical substances",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Environment",
    "CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxic Substances Portal",
    "USGS Energy Resources Program Energy Glossary & Acronym List",
    "EPA EV-Chemical Substances",
    "ACE Glossary of Terms",
    "TRI Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/mercury-and-mercury-compounds/"
}