a few day ago, in the lab, we expose to the mercury. I want to know it`s effect to me, and can I stiil have a baby. I scared. actually my friend, he accidently drop the termometer. all student in the lab and the lab closed at that time.
2006-09-13 22:15:38 · 7 answers · asked by oceangirl 1 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Mercury attacks the central nervous system and endocrine system and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. High exposure over long periods of time will result in brain damage and ultimately death. (The term "Mad as a hatter" is thought to relate to occupational insanity caused by exposure to mercury compounds in the manufacture of felt hats in the 19th century). Mercury also can have severe effects on fetuses and infants. Mothers who have taken in high levels of mercury have given birth to children with birth defects. Due to this risk, with the exception of some Influenza (flu) vaccines, none of the vaccines used in the U.S. to protect preschool children against 12 infectious diseases contain thimerosal as a preservative.
In my dad's school days they would actually let kids play with the mercury...I'm sure you will be fine if you weren't exposed to it for too long.
2006-09-13 22:28:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If just one thermometer dropped you're fine, that's not very much at all. In most cases you would have to play the mercury with a cut on your hand to really get sick. Think of it this way, until two years ago all immunizations has a preservative made with Mercury. If you had a shot before then, you have already been exposed. It takes a lot more to feel the effects than you think,
2006-09-15 13:18:32 · answer #2 · answered by Tara B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is both a precious metal and a neurotoxin. The "mad hatters" of the 19th century suffered from mercury poisoning - so did the hat makers in Danbury, Connecticut, who called their disease the Danbury Shakes. In short, mercury can be harmful to fish, waterfowl, wildlife, and humans.
The mercury felting process prevalent in the nineteenth century and many other industrial uses of mercury have been discontinued, and today most people are not exposed to dangerously high levels of mercury in their job settings. However, mercury may still be an occupational hazard for people working in medical care facilities.
Suppose, for example, a thermometer breaks or a mercury-containing solvent spills. If mercury vapor is inhaled, as much as 80 percent of the inhaled mercury may be absorbed into the bloodstream.
The biological half-life of mercury is 60 days. Thus, even though exposure is reduced, the body burden will remain for at least a few months.
The effects of mercury poisoning can be classified as:
- acute,
- chronic, or
- other
The degree of risk varies depending on how much mercury a person is exposed to and how often, and on stage of life. The work environment can be designed to minimize workers' exposure. We can, for example, be as careful about mercury as we are with x-rays. But not all of the mercury that we use remains in the facility. Some of it escapes into the environment, undergoes change, and may eventually be eaten by fish. Mercury-contaminated fish are the most likely source of mercury 's potentially adverse effects on human health. It is recommended that mercury's uses in medical settings be eliminated, not because its presence makes medical facilities dangerous places to be, but to help keep mercury out of the environment.
Acute exposure (i.e. short term, high dose) is not as common today due to greater precautions and decreased handling.
Very high exposures to mercury vapor in the air can cause acute poisoning. Symptoms usually begin with cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing and upset stomach. This may go on to pneumonia, which can be fatal.
If the inorganic mercury compounds are swallowed, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe kidney damage (see chronic effects) may occur.
I think you will be fine. Just keep monitor on yourself. If you feel ill then seek immediate medical attention.
2006-09-14 05:25:28 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it didn't come in contact with your skin it shouldn't be a problem. Talk to a Dr. if you are concerned.. he could do a blood test. Good luck.
2006-09-14 05:19:16 · answer #4 · answered by The anti-emo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go see your doctor, mercury is very hazardous. but you typically have to ingest this..
2006-09-14 05:20:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you touch it it can burn your skin!
2006-09-14 05:24:33 · answer #6 · answered by Nightswan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will die
2006-09-14 05:19:28 · answer #7 · answered by 2Hot4u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋