Description

A child or adult may develop mercury poisoning in the home. The source depends on the chemical form, cultural background, occupation and the environment.


 

Elemental mercury:

(1) switches used in utilities

(2) barometers

(3) clothing of industrial or occupational workers

(4) flooring (if house used as a dentist's office in the past)

(5) Oriental medicines, medicine from Third World country

(6) home smelting

(7) thermometers

(8) old vial of quicksilver

(9) old medical equipment (sphygmomanometer, other)

(10) old chemistry set

(11) coal burning

 

Mercurous compounds:

(1) calomel laxatives

(2) calomel skin cream

 

Mercuric compounds:

(1) herbicides, fungicide and pesticides

(2) industrial pollution

(3) clothing of industrial or occupational workers

(4) Oriental medicines, medicine from Third World country

(5) stool fixative for ova and parasite collection

(6) skin ointments

(7) skin lightening creams

(8) paint

 

Organic mercury:

(1) seafood

(2) industrial pollution

 


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