CAS Number: 7439-97-6. Mercury is a naturally occurring metal
which has several forms. The metallic mercury is a shiny,
silver-white, odorless liquid. If heated, it is a colorless,
odorless gas. Mercury is known to be harmful to the central
nervous system, and is readily absorbed through the respiratory
tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and through unbroken skin.
Metallic mercury is used to produce chlorine gas and caustic
soda, and is used in thermometers, dental fillings, mercury
vapor
lamps, electrical switches, and batteries. Salts of mercury are
sometimes used in skin lightening creams and as antiseptic
creams
and ointments. Chemical formula = Hg. Molecular weight = 200.59
g/mol.