Mercury compounds Cumulative

Mercury is used in the manufacture of thermometers, barometers and switchgear, and in the production of amalgams with copper, tin, silver and gold, and of solders. A major use in the chemical industry is in the production of a host of mercury compounds and in mercury cells for the generation of chlorine. Mercury has a significant vapour pressure at ambient temperature and is a cumulative poison. 

Mercury can be a cumulative poison, which means that minor amounts absorbed over long periods of time build up until damage to internal organs occurs. Years ago, a mercury compound was used in the manufacturing process of felt hats. Workers who came in contact with the mercury developed a variety of medical problems, including the loss of hair and teeth and loss of memory along with general deterioration of the nervous and other systems. This became known as the mad as a hatter syndrome because of the afflicted individuals odd behavior. 

Mercury compounds, particularly its organic compounds, are acutely poisonous. Mercury vapor is also an insidious poison because its effect is cumulative. Frequent exposure to low levels of mercury vapor can allow mercury to accumulate in the body. The effects include impaired neurological function, hearing loss, and other ailments. 

Overexposure to mercury vapor or its compounds can occur by absorption through the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive tract. Mercury is a cumulative poison, which means that its concentration in the body increases as exposure increases. 

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