ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of mercury in humans. Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at normal temperatures. Mercury is found throughout the earth's crust, primarily as various sulfides. It is produced by roasting the ore with an excess of oxygen, then distilling the metallic mercury to purify it. The major uses of mercury are in electrical equipment and in the chlor-alkali industry. Other uses include as a catalyst in polyurethane foams, industrial and control instruments, dental preparations, and detonators. Mercury circulation is a global phenomenon, occurring mainly through the atmosphere. The effects of mercury in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
