Metallic mercury mainly causes health effects when inhaled as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.

Symptoms of prolonged and/or acute exposures include: Tremors; Emotional changes (such as mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness).

If individuals live in an area where there is a possibility of mercury exposure, it would be prudent to get tested. Children and pregnant women are especially impacted by mercury, if exposed.