Was Mercury used in old radios?

Mercury, a liquid metal at room temperature, was utilized in old radios, particularly in devices called mercury tube rectifiers. In these rectifiers, mercury was contained within a sealed glass envelope. In some old electronic components and devices such as vacuum switches and certain types of scientific and measurement instruments, elemental mercury may be encountered. It acts as the conductor between terminals.

Due to concerns about their environmental safety ,Mercury devices are rare, have largely vanished, especially as radio tech advances led to transistors. Currently, electronic items primarily rely on diodes made of non-toxic solid state materials in radio and other devices that used to have their tubes. Nevertheless, it serves as s significant historical reminder of electronic technologies of the past when Mercury was employed n these applications

Remember always follow appropriate hazardous material's handling measures if Mercury in any electronics, as the metal in a toxic chemical element and requires cautious handling or proper disposing if encountered during restoration activities if vintage technologies.