Mercury (Hg)

Sheina 7.4

MercurySymbol: Hg (Hydrargyrum)

Atomic number: 80

Melting point: 234.28 °F /-38.842 °C

Boiling point: 629.73 °F /356.58 °C

Metal

MercuryMercury is a silvery-white metallic element.

Its one of the few elements that’s liquid at a room temperature.

Classified as a Transition Metal, meaning it is ductile and able to conduct electricity and heat.

Mercury is highly poisonous.

DiscoveryMercury was known to the ancients

(Egyptians, Chinese, Hindus). We’re not sure exactly when it was discovered, but it’s been found in Egyptian tombs

dating back to 15,000 B.C

Uses of MercuryMercury is used in:

Thermometers

Barometers

Batteries

Pesticides

Mercury vapor lamps

And lots more…

Mercury Effects on Animals

Reduction of loon chick reproduction are found in lakes where mercury concentration in egg are toxic.

Affects diving ducks, herons, egrets, etc at bodies of water where high concentration of mercury are found.

Can cause deformities in developing animals.

Exposes methyl mercury to living things that consume a lot of mercury-contaminated fish and/or seafood.

Mercury Effects On Human

Short-term exposure causes harmful effects on the nervous, respiratory and digestive system.

Initial exposure symptoms similar ‘metal fume fever’ – fever, chills, fatigue.

Occupational exposure ( for 4 to 8 hours) chest pain, impaired lung function, inflammation of the lungs, cough, coughing up blood.

Facts.....Mercury was named after the Roman god Mercury.

Hg (hydrargyrum) comes from the Greek word ‘hydrargyros’ meaning ‘water’ and ‘silver’.

50% of mercury used is found either in Spain or Italy.

It is a better conductor of electricity than it is of heat.

Mercury vapor concentration increases at higher temp.

Its presence is low compared to other elements.

Bibliography“Health Effects of Mercury.” Canadian Centre for Occupational

Health and Safety. 24 April 2010 <http://www.ccohs.ca/oshansweres/chemicals/chem_profiles/mercury/health_mercury.html>

“Mercury – Element Properties and periodic Table Information.” The Element Mercury. 24 April 2010 <http://www.periodic-table.org.uk/element-mercury.htm>

“Mercury Facts.” About.com 24 April 2010 <http://chemistry.about.com/od/elementfacts/a/mercury.htm>

“Mixing Up Mercury.” Speakeasy Science. 24 April 2010 <http://blog.deborahblum.com/?cat=67>

“Properties of Mercury Toxicity.” Mercury (Element). 24 April 2010 <http://science.jrank.org/pages/4239/Mercury-Element.html>

“Risk to Wildlife.” USGS. 24 April 2010 <http://www.usgs.gov/themes/factsheet/146-00/>