Long-term effects of touching mercury?

Question

Reading another question just got me thinking about this. When I was 12, our teacher had some mercury in a bottle and poured some into all the student's hands so we could have a look at it and see how it moved around.

I think each of us held the mercury for about 30 seconds to a minute. Would this have any long-term effects on health, and if so, what would those effects be?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Mercury is one substance that never leaves the body.  Eating some fish also exposes you to mercury. It then builds upon what is already in your body.  I would not worry about what your teacher did to you in school.  But, in large amounts in the body, it will start to damage your central nervous system and some organs like the liver and GI tract.  Symptoms typically include sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination. The type and degree of symptoms exhibited depend upon the individual toxin, the dose, and the method and duration of exposure.  But, as I said before, I would not worry unless you are eating large amounts of fish that have mercury in them

Answer 2

None. You don't absorb mercury through the skin.  

Answer 3

You can absorb mercury through the skin.. Long term effects. You would probably turn into the silver surfer....uhh Mercury Surfer. how cool would that be.... Pretty bloody cool i think.