Short answers, pulled from the story.
Egyptian tomb builders buried mercury in 1500 BC as a sacred artifact. This substance was found in the tombs of ancient rulers as a mysterious, shimmering liquid. It was treated as a sacred object rather than a tool for industry.
The first emperor of a unified China, Qín Shí Huáng Dì, allegedly died from drinking a mercury and powdered jade mixture. This mixture was intended as an elixir of life by Chinese alchemists. The belief in mercury as a key to immortality led to his tragic death.
Mercury has an atomic number of 80 and the symbol Hg. It is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Its melting point is −38.83 °C and its boiling point is 356.73 °C.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury was signed on the 10th of October 2013. This global effort involves 140 countries agreeing to prevent mercury vapor emissions. The convention aims to address the environmental and human health consequences of mercury exposure.
China is estimated to produce 50% of global mercury emissions. Most of these emissions result from the production of vinyl chloride. This figure highlights the ongoing challenge of managing mercury's toxicity for public health and environmental protection.