Indicator Explainer
Mercury
A naturally occurring trace metalloid element and known neurotoxin with atomic symbol Hg, atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury has been used in manufacturing, as well as in dental and medical equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides. It is characterized as a heavy, silvery-white metallic liquid at room temperature that is odorless. Exposure occurs by inhalation of fumes, ingestion, or contact.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C66842. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-19. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Mercury (C66842)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C66842. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Corrigendum to "Mercury chloride causes cognitive impairment, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in male Wistar rats: The potential protective effect of 6-gingerol-rich fraction of Zingiber officinale via regulation of antioxidant defence system and reversal of pro-inflammatory markers increase" [Brain Res. 1826 (2024) 148741]. — Brain Res, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42850077; literature)
- Climate change reshapes the global mercury cycle. — Science, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42848882; literature)
- Visual biosensing of bioaccessible mercury in aquatic environments using chromoprotein-based whole-cell sensors. — Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2026-10-14 (PMID 42874549; literature)
- The stage-specific regulation mechanism of mercury methylation in shallow lakes water driven by the DOM structural reconstruction driven by the algal bloom life cycle. — Mar Pollut Bull, 2026-10-14 (PMID 42874545; literature)
- Effect of Glutathione S-Transferase and Metallothionein Polymorphisms on Mercury Levels and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Colombian Patients. — Environ Toxicol, 2026-10-17 (PMID 42891532; literature)
- Expression of mer genes in an engineered Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain enables mercury removal in simulated food and gut environments. — Microbiol Res, 2026-10-16 (PMID 42892127; literature)
- Mercury contamination impairs the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of a neotropical caiman. — Commun Biol, 2026-10-28 (PMID 42951924; literature)
- A field method to optimize mercury biomonitoring using dried blood spots. — Environ Pollut, 2026-10-28 (PMID 42950965; literature)