Mercury Exposure
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, water, air, and living things. It can also be found in certain products. Mercury is a neurotoxin and negatively affects a person’s health based on how you are exposed (breathing, eating, skin contact, etc.), how long the exposure lasts (amount and duration of exposure), age of the person exposed (younger children still developing are most vulnerable) and the form of mercury (elemental/metallic mercury as a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid or methyl mercury through food like fish).
Health Effects By Form (EPA)
Learn More About Mercury (CDC)
Management of Exposures
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Public and Medical Providers can direct questions to the SD Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
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Questions can also be directed to the following:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registries at 1-800-232-4636 (TTY: 888-232-6348)
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Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at 1-877-800-5554
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If more than 2 tablespoons have been spilled, notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802
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Information for School Nurses
Resources
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Mercury and Your Health (CDC)
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Mercury Fact Sheet (CDC)
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Toxic Substances Portal (CDC)
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ToxiFAQs (CDC)