Mercury or mercury is a chemical that belongs to the metal group but is liquid at room temperature. If absorbed by the skin, inhaled, or swallowed, mercury can be hazardous to health. Liquid mercury is very easy to evaporate alias quickly in changing form into a gas even at room temperature.
Mercury exists in nature through natural processes, but it also roams the air through pollution from industrial waste disposal. Mercury that is flying in the air then falls and accumulates in waters, both rivers and seas.
In the environment, the liquid that is often used in thermometers is then turned into methyl-mercury by microbes. Methyl-mercury deposits in nature are potentially dangerous, because they have the potential to contaminate drinking water and food sources. The groups most at risk for the adverse effects of mercury in drinking water are fetuses in the womb and children, because their immune systems are not as strong as adults.
Where Does Danger Come From? Mercury?
Currently, there are many objects that are closely related to human daily life and environmental conditions that need to be watched out for regarding the mercury content in them, including:
- Kcosmetic
In the process of working, mercury can indeed inhibit the formation of melanin, aka skin pigment. The inhibition of melanin formation then makes the skin color brighter.
However, the side effects of mercury cosmetics are also very dangerous. There are two types of mercury, namely organic and inorganic. In cosmetics such as soaps and face creams, the mercury used is generally non-organic.
- Food materialThe mercury that settles in the waters is then processed by certain microorganisms and converted into methyl-mercury. This highly toxic material then enters the body of fish, shellfish, and other fish-eating animals. It is through these fish and shellfish that mercury in the form of methyl-mercury enters the human body.Mercury spreads to almost all types of fish and shellfish. However, fish that are bigger and live longer will contain more methyl-mercury, because these fish have a longer period of time to accumulate these harmful substances. Some types of large fish that should be avoided for this reason are swordfish, shark, tuna, and mackerel.
- Mercury polluted air
In addition to cosmetics and foodstuffs from the sea, mercury can also be inhaled by humans. Mercury polluted air is usually caused by industrial and mining processes, such as coal burning, power generation, and gold mining. This mercury is then released into the air and has the potential to enter the human body through the respiratory system.
What Kind of Danger Is Mercury?
Mercury must be avoided because it has a harmful effect on health. Broadly speaking, the following are the dangers of too much exposure to mercury for humans:
- In fetuses, infants, and childrenExcessive mercury exposure in pregnant women can have an impact on the nervous system and fetal brain growth. Meanwhile, for children, excessive exposure to this material may affect brain performance in terms of thinking skills and cognitive function, language skills, and fine motor skills. In addition, the impact can be seen on children's memory, visual spatial skills, and learning abilities.
- On adults and seniorsThe amount of mercury in the human body in general can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. This can apply to anyone at any age. A person experiencing mercury or mercury poisoning may experience the following symptoms:
- Tingling in the body such as in the hands, feet, and around the mouth.
- Impaired body coordination function.
- Visual and hearing impairment.
- Weak muscles.
- Impaired walking, speaking, or hearing.
- Tremors or body shaking.
- Mental changes, such as feeling anxious and confused.
- Headache.
To avoid mercury or mercury poisoning, the wisest way is to make sure the products you use every day are free from these ingredients. In addition, it is also important to avoid consumption of certain types of fish or shellfish that may contain mercury, especially by pregnant women. You can also prevent a mercury-contaminated environment by using plastic to wrap items that contain mercury, such as light bulbs and thermometers, before throwing them away.
Wash your hands thoroughly if you accidentally come into contact with mercury-containing materials. If you get symptoms of mercury poisoning after using cosmetics or eating seafood, contact your doctor immediately for examination and treatment.