Para | Mercury | پارہ

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil.
Exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life.
Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.
Mercury is considered by WHO as one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.
People are mainly exposed to methylmercury, an organic compound, when they eat fish and shellfish that contain the compound.
Methylmercury is very different to ethylmercury. Ethylmercury is used as a preservative in some vaccines and does not pose a health risk.

Mercury and its derivatives have been used as anti-parasitic, anti-syphilis, antipruritic, preservative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, dental amalgam.

Side Effects:

Mercury is known to be a toxic material with adverse effects on the body as claimed by so many researchers and always projected a negative aspect of this element. It is true that it may cause a several problems when it exceeds the safe limit but along with its negative image, mercury has been playing a positive role in the field of medicine and dentistry. It has many therapeutic uses including various medications, ointments, dental fillings, contact lens, cosmetics, paints as well as in different instruments like thermometer and sphygmomanometers. Mercury and its compounds used in dental practice may be responsible for release of mercury into the oral cavity. Compounds of mercury tend to be much more toxic than the element itself, and organic compounds of mercury (e.g., dimethyl-mercury) are often extremely toxic and may be responsible in causing brain and liver damage.