2006-07-23 07:21:57 · 9 answers · asked by obelix 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Metallic mercury is safe in the liquid form. The vapors are dangerous, and organometallic compounds (methyl mercury, for example) are extremely dangerous.
If one swallows mercury, it will go through the digestive tract virtually unchanged. Similarly, if it's on your skin, it cannot penetrate. However, if you spill it on the floor, it will work its way into the carpet or flooring, and droplets will remain for months or years, slowly evaporating. These vapors will eventually make their way into your body through your lungs, raising the mercury content of your body.
See references 1 and 2.
2006-07-23 07:29:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well they gave it to kids in school in the 50's. Many get it on them, and it is OK. In small amounts is is not bad. Did you ever hear the term mad as a hatter, or the mad hatter in Alice in wonderland? The old top hats were made of beaver skin. To make it smooth the hat makers rubbed Mercury into the skin, and they inhaled the vapors. It over time got into the brain, and caused insanity from degeneration among the other effects.
2006-07-23 15:07:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first answer is correct. This is extremely dangerous. In small quantities mercury is very toxic if handled. Even more so if ingested. It is not a toy or something to play jokes with. See a doctor quickly. It is far more dangerous to children and pregnant women.
2006-07-23 14:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by bigtony615 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
getting it splashed on skin might be lethal and dangerous and if u drink it, it probably would be worst than getting on your skin
know what your handling and be carefull at all times
2006-07-23 14:29:08 · answer #4 · answered by aznshadowboi801 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poisening...
GO see a Doc quick!!!
You would need to get treated for Mercury Poisening...
Forreal I'm not kidding, it's that lethal!
2006-07-23 14:24:17 · answer #5 · answered by Am 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing will happen if it is splashed on your skin it will just roll off of you but if you drink it,it will give you brain dammage and kill you.
2006-07-23 14:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by mack j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they call it mad hatter or something cause the man in alice in wonderland could use mercury to polish his hat he ended up going crazy
2006-07-23 14:24:28 · answer #7 · answered by garfieldcat04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you drink it let me know what happens!
2006-07-23 14:24:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u die. touching the skin is not THAT serious but inhaling the fumes is.
2006-07-23 14:25:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋