• Justin@lemmy.jlh.name
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      8 months ago

      Metallic murcury can’t actually be absorbed through the skin, and it can theoretically be handled without protective equipment if you know what you’re doing. Not that I would recommend it.

      See the crazy stuff that Cody’s Lab does on YouTube, and he hasn’t gotten poisoned yet:

      https://youtu.be/m8KzmlIEsHs

      • Mandarbmax@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        Mercury poisoning isn’t all or nothing. I love love love Cody but also that boy probably has a little mercury poisoning at this point ngl.

      • Unforeseen@sh.itjust.works
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        8 months ago

        My friends Dad showed us one time handling it in his hands, he said you just have to be absolutely certain you have no cuts or injuries that would let it get to your bloodstream. That was a long time ago now, today’s parents would probably freak.

    • Katlah@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      8 months ago

      Mercury can absorb through the skin, but it takes a very long time. (Generally safe to touch it, but still wouldn’t recommend it)

    • bdonvr@thelemmy.club
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      8 months ago

      Nah, it’s the vapor that’s dangerous with elemental mercury. Touching it is basically fine. Just no open wounds and be in a well ventilated area

      There are far more toxic forms of mercury you shouldn’t mess with though

    • Dr. Wesker@lemmy.sdf.org
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      8 months ago

      Is it more the inhalation than the skin absorption that would be toxic? Not too familar with mercury poisoning.