ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Got Mercury?

Mercury is like a mean and sneaky tiny monster that can make people and animals very sick if they are not careful with it. It's a metal that is sometimes found in things we use every day like light bulbs, batteries, and even some fish that we eat.

But, if we accidentally touch or breathe in too much of this monster, it can hurt our brains, hearts, and other important parts of our body. That's why we need to be extra careful with things that have mercury in them and make sure we don't break or play with them.

If you ever see something that has mercury in it that looks strange or broken, make sure to tell a grown-up immediately so they can help take care of it safely. Remember, no playing with or eating mercury because it's not a toy and it can make you and others very sick!