By Yasmin Anwar
Advertiser Staff Writer
It’s the hypnotic silver liquid metal that created the deadly robot in Terminator 2 that chased down Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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| Thirteen-year-old Shyla Taumua is comforted by family friend Vanessa Helsham at Halawa District Park.w
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser |
But for children from the Halawa housing area who found a container of mercury at an abandoned pumping station near Pearl Harbor, a fascination with quicksilver may be shortlived.
"It’s shiny and neat to play with. But it is toxic," said Grace Takebayashi, an epidemiological specialist with the state Department of Health.
Elemental mercury is an odorless, silvery liquid metal found in thermometers, dental fillings, batteries, fluorescent lights and electrical switches. Those exposed to it can experience abdominal cramps, nausea, chills and fever, a metallic taste in the mouth and diminished vision.
Most symptoms occur within hours of contact, and it’s worse to inhale the substance than handle it or swallow it because the metal is not easily absorbed.
If swallowed, the slippery liquid commonly rolls in and out of the digestive system. But if inhaled for long periods of time, it can cause lung problems such as pulmonary edema and neurological and kidney damage.
Health officials yesterday said they doubt such problems will afflict the children recently exposed to the substance.
Parents who suspect their children have been contaminated are advised to take the following steps:
 Remove the children’s clothing and place it inside two layers of secured plastic bags.
Wash the children thoroughly with soap and water for about 20 minutes.
Immediately seek medical attention and get blood and urine tests.
Mercury historically was used in folk medicines, love potions and rituals.
Mercury led to the 19th century phrase "mad as a hatter," which referred to the erratic behavior of workers who handled mercury used in felt hats.
There are three kinds of mercury: elemental, inorganic and organic.
Of them, elemental is the least harmful. The most dangerous, on the other hand is methylmercury, an organic mercury commonly ingested in contaminated fish.
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