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home > poison control centers index > poison control centers article > poison control centers glossary


Poison Control Centers Glossary of Terms

The following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Poison Control Centers article.

Breathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth or nose due to muscle contraction, and then exhaled due to muscle relaxation.

Poison: Any substance that can cause severe distress or death if ingested, breathed in, or absorbed through the skin. Many substances that normally cause no problems, including water and most vitamins, can be poisonous if taken in too large of a quantity. Poison treatment depends on the substance: if there are treatment instructions on the substance's container and you are sure it contained no other item, follow those directions immediately. Always contact your nearest Poison Control Center if you are concerned about possible poison ingestion.

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Poison Control Centers

Mercury Poisoning »

Mercury introduction

Mercury is contained in some of the fish we eat, whether caught in local lakes and streams or bought in a grocery store. Mercury is also contained in some of the products we use, which may be found in your home, at the dentist, and at schools. This article provides links to information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury.

General information about mercury and mercury exposure

Forms of mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms:

  • elemental or metallic mercury,
  • inorganic mercury compounds, and
  • organic mercury compounds.

Sources of mercury. Mercury is an element in the earth's crust. Humans cannot create or destroy mercury. Pu...

Read the Mercury Poisoning article »
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