Alaska: Mercury, Gold Mining, and Health

High exposure to mercury vapor is very dangerous, and can cause permanent brain, kidney,
and lung damage. Unborn babies and young children are especially sensitive to the toxic
effects of mercury because of their developing brain and nervous systems. Short-term
exposure to high levels of mercury vapors can cause lung damage, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, increased blood pressure and heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Long-term
exposure to lower levels can cause health effects that develop gradually, such as tremors,
headaches, sleeping problems, memory loss, irritability, poor coordination, and changes in
vision and hearing.
http://www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/MercuryGoldMiningFactsheet.pdf