Why Does Mercury Kill?

I've been told touch Mercury without gloves can kill you.   Why?

skeptik2020-11-20T09:50:17Z

Favorite Answer

Mercury, as well as other heavy metals, is a neurotoxin.

But as its risks are cumulative, unless you handle it regularly, touching it without gloves isn't going to kill you.  It doesn't absorb anywhere near readily enough through the skin to do that in a single exposure.

Petter2020-11-20T09:30:31Z

It's highly toxic.