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this post was submitted on 12 Mar 2024
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I think they are saying it depends what you mean by "mercury" because some compounds are both toxic and readily absorbed through the skin.
Exactly that. Elemental mercury (ie: the liquid metal form) doesn't readily absorb through the skin. It gives off vapors which are harmful with extended or repeated contact, but generally it's not super dangerous to be around.(Not totally safe though)
Organic mercury compounds (eg: methylmercury) are extremely toxic because they can be absorbed through the skin, and can traverse the blood brain barrier
Regular liquid mercury is relatively safe to handle, but I would still wear gloves. It won't get through undamaged skin, but is dangerous if you have even a small skin laceration it can get through.