What are the common symptoms of mercury poisoning. How does mercury accumulate in the body. What are the long-term health effects of mercury exposure. How can mercury poisoning be prevented and treated.

Understanding Mercury and Its Presence in Our Environment

Mercury, a naturally occurring heavy metal, is ubiquitous in our environment and can be found in various everyday products. While trace amounts are generally considered safe, the accumulation of mercury in the body can lead to severe health complications. This toxic metal exists in liquid form at room temperature and readily vaporizes into the surrounding air.

Industrial processes, particularly coal burning for power generation, are significant contributors to mercury pollution. The vaporized mercury can infiltrate rainwater, soil, and water bodies, posing risks to plants, animals, and humans alike. Understanding the sources and pathways of mercury exposure is crucial for mitigating its harmful effects on human health.

Common Sources of Mercury Exposure

• Contaminated seafood consumption
• Industrial emissions and pollution
• Dental amalgams
• Broken mercury-containing devices (e.g., thermometers, fluorescent lamps)
• Certain traditional medicines and cosmetics

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning can manifest through a wide array of symptoms, affecting various bodily systems. The severity and presentation of symptoms often depend on the level and duration of exposure. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for prompt intervention and treatment.

Neurological Symptoms

Mercury primarily targets the nervous system, leading to several neurological manifestations. These may include:

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irritability and mood swings
• Numbness in extremities
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Physical tremors

As mercury levels in the body increase, more severe neurological symptoms may emerge. These can include difficulty with motor skills, impaired coordination, and changes in sensory perception.

Physical Symptoms in Adults

Adults experiencing mercury poisoning may exhibit a range of physical symptoms, including:

• Muscle weakness
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of motor skills or feeling uncoordinated
• Numbness in hands, face, or other areas
• Vision and hearing changes
• Breathing difficulties
• Impaired gait or balance

Impact on Child Development

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mercury poisoning, which can significantly impact their developmental progress. Symptoms in children may include:

• Impaired motor skills
• Cognitive difficulties, including problems with thinking and problem-solving
• Language development issues
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Reduced spatial awareness

The Silent Progression of Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning typically develops gradually over time, especially in cases of chronic low-level exposure. However, acute poisoning can occur in instances of sudden, high-level exposure. The insidious nature of mercury accumulation in the body makes it crucial to be aware of potential exposure sources and to monitor for early signs of toxicity.

Is it possible to experience sudden onset of mercury poisoning symptoms? Yes, in cases of acute exposure to high levels of mercury, symptoms can appear rapidly. If you experience a sudden onset of symptoms associated with mercury poisoning, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention or contact poison control.

Long-Term Health Implications of Mercury Exposure

Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of mercury can lead to severe and lasting health complications. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for emphasizing the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Neurological Damage

One of the most significant concerns associated with chronic mercury exposure is its impact on the nervous system. Studies have shown that long-term mercury poisoning can result in persistent neurological damage, with effects that may include:

• Cognitive impairments and reduced IQ
• Slowed reflexes
• Permanent motor skill deficits
• Paralysis in severe cases
• Chronic numbness or tingling sensations
• Persistent memory and concentration problems
• Symptoms resembling Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

These neurological effects can be particularly pronounced in children, whose developing nervous systems are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of mercury.

Reproductive Health Concerns

Mercury poisoning can have significant implications for reproductive health in both men and women. Potential effects include:

• Reduced sperm count and quality in men
• Decreased fertility in both sexes
• Increased risk of fetal abnormalities
• Reduced fetal survival rates
• Impaired fetal growth and development

Pregnant women and those planning to conceive should be particularly cautious about mercury exposure, as the metal can cross the placental barrier and affect the developing fetus.

Cardiovascular Risks

Mercury’s ability to promote the accumulation of free radicals in the body puts cells at risk for oxidative damage. This oxidative stress can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including:

• Higher incidence of heart attacks
• Elevated risk of coronary heart disease
• Potential for hypertension and other circulatory issues

The link between mercury exposure and cardiovascular health underscores the importance of minimizing exposure, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Mercury Poisoning from Seafood Consumption

The consumption of mercury-contaminated seafood is the most common route of mercury exposure in humans. This form of mercury, known as methylmercury, is particularly toxic and can accumulate in the body over time.

The Bioaccumulation Process

Methylmercury enters the aquatic food chain through a process called bioaccumulation. How does this process work?

1. Mercury in water is converted to methylmercury by microorganisms
2. Small aquatic organisms absorb the methylmercury from water and sediment
3. Larger fish consume these smaller organisms, accumulating the mercury in their tissues
4. This process continues up the food chain, with larger predatory fish accumulating higher concentrations of mercury

As a result, large predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, and shark tend to have the highest mercury concentrations, posing the greatest risk to human consumers.

Mitigating Risks from Seafood Consumption

While seafood offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to make informed choices to minimize mercury exposure. Consider the following strategies:

• Choose lower-mercury fish options such as salmon, tilapia, and cod
• Limit consumption of high-mercury species, especially for pregnant women and young children
• Stay informed about local fish advisories, particularly for freshwater fish from local water bodies
• Vary your seafood choices to reduce the risk of excessive exposure from any single source

Other Sources of Mercury Exposure

While seafood consumption is the primary source of mercury exposure for most people, it’s important to be aware of other potential sources in our environment and daily lives.

Industrial and Occupational Exposure

Certain industries and occupations carry a higher risk of mercury exposure. These may include:

• Mining and metal processing
• Chemical manufacturing
• Healthcare (particularly dentistry)
• Waste management and recycling

Workers in these fields should be provided with appropriate protective equipment and follow safety protocols to minimize exposure risks.

Dental Amalgams

Dental amalgams, often referred to as “silver fillings,” contain mercury. While the amount of mercury released from these fillings is generally considered low, some individuals may be concerned about long-term exposure. Discussing alternative filling materials with your dentist can address these concerns.

Mercury in Household Items

Several common household items may contain mercury, including:

• Older thermometers and barometers
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Some types of batteries
• Certain electrical switches

Proper handling and disposal of these items are crucial to prevent accidental mercury exposure.

Prevention and Treatment of Mercury Poisoning

Preventing mercury poisoning primarily involves minimizing exposure to mercury sources. However, if exposure does occur, prompt recognition and treatment are essential for mitigating health risks.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of mercury poisoning, consider the following preventive strategies:

• Make informed choices about seafood consumption, especially for high-risk groups
• Properly dispose of mercury-containing products
• Ensure adequate ventilation when working with potential mercury sources
• Follow occupational safety guidelines in high-risk industries
• Stay informed about local environmental mercury levels and advisories

Treatment Options

The treatment for mercury poisoning depends on the severity and type of exposure. Options may include:

• Removal from the source of exposure
• Supportive care to manage symptoms
• Chelation therapy in severe cases to help remove mercury from the body
• Long-term monitoring and management of neurological effects

Is chelation therapy always necessary for mercury poisoning? No, chelation therapy is typically reserved for severe cases of acute mercury poisoning or instances of very high mercury levels in the body. In many cases, simply removing the source of exposure and providing supportive care is sufficient.

The Importance of Environmental Awareness and Policy

Addressing the issue of mercury poisoning extends beyond individual actions. It requires a broader environmental and policy-based approach to reduce mercury emissions and protect public health.

Global Efforts to Reduce Mercury Pollution

Several international initiatives aim to reduce mercury pollution on a global scale. These include:

• The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from mercury
• Efforts to phase out mercury use in various industries and products
• Improved regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources

The Role of Public Education

Raising public awareness about mercury risks and safe handling practices is crucial. This includes educating consumers about:

• Safe fish consumption guidelines
• Proper disposal of mercury-containing products
• Recognition of potential mercury exposure sources in the home and workplace

By combining individual awareness with broader policy measures, we can work towards reducing the global burden of mercury pollution and its associated health risks.

Mercury poisoning: Symptoms and early signs

There are numerous possible symptoms of mercury poisoning. Examples include nervousness, numbness, muscle weakness, nausea, and more. Treatment can include avoiding mercury and, in severe cases, chelation therapy.

Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans. Mercury poisoning is the result of being exposed to too much mercury, either through the diet or environment.

Consuming food that contains mercury is the most common cause of mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can cause severe symptoms and put the body at unnecessary risk.

A person can help prevent mercury poisoning by making changes to their diet and environment that limit exposure to the toxic metal.

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that is in many everyday products, albeit in tiny amounts. While this limited exposure is usually considered safe, a buildup of mercury is highly dangerous.

Mercury is a liquid at room temperature and readily vaporizes into the air around it. It is often a by-product of industrial processes, such as burning coal for power. Vaporized mercury can make its way into the rain, soil, and water, where it poses a risk to plants, animals, and humans.

Ingesting or coming into contact with too much mercury can cause symptoms of mercury poisoning.

Mercury may affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as:

• nervousness or anxiety
• irritability or mood changes
• numbness
• memory problems
• depression
• physical tremors

As the levels of mercury in the body rise, more symptoms will appear. These symptoms may vary depending on a person’s age and exposure levels. Adults with mercury poisoning may experience symptoms such as:

• muscle weakness
• metallic taste in the mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• lack of motor skills or feeling uncoordinated
• inability to feel in the hands, face, or other areas
• changes in vision, hearing, or speech
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking or standing straight

Mercury can also affect a child’s early development. Children with mercury poisoning may show symptoms such as:

• impaired motor skills
• problems thinking or problem-solving
• difficulties learning to speak or understanding language
• issues with hand-eye coordination
• being physically unaware of their surroundings

Mercury poisoning tends to develop slowly over time if a person comes into frequent contact with mercury. However, in some cases, mercury poisoning comes on quickly and is associated with a specific incident.

Anyone who experiences a sudden onset of mercury poisoning symptoms should call a doctor or poison control.

Exposure to high levels of mercury may also put a person at risk for long-term complications, including:

Neurological damage

Share on PinterestMercury poisoning may cause slow reflexes, damaged motor skills, and intelligence disorders.

High levels of mercury in the blood may put a person at risk for long-term neurological damage. These effects may be more pronounced in children who are still developing.

A study in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health noted that many incidents of mercury poisoning have led to long-term nerve damage, which can cause:

• intelligence disorders and low IQ
• slow reflexes
• damaged motor skills
• paralysis
• numbness
• problems with memory and concentration
• symptoms of ADHD

Reproductive effects

Mercury poisoning also poses a risk to the reproductive system. It may cause reduced sperm count or decreased fertility and may also cause problems with the fetus.

Possible effects of mercury poisoning include deformity and a decreased survival rate of the fetus, and reduced growth and size of the newborn at birth.

Cardiovascular risks

Mercury helps promote the accumulation of free radicals in the body, which puts the cells at risk for damage. This may lead to an increased risk of heart problems, including heart attack and coronary heart disease.

The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from eating seafood, but people can get mercury poisoning from industrial processing, thermometers and blood pressure machines, dental work, and old paints.

Mercury poisoning from seafood

Share on PinterestThe most common way for a human to have mercury poisoning is by eating seafood tainted with mercury.

Eating seafood that has been tainted with mercury is one of the most common ways humans accumulate mercury in their bodies. The mercury in seafood is a highly poisonous form of the metal called methylmercury, which forms when mercury dissolves into the water.

Methylmercury can be absorbed from the water by all sea creatures, but it also continues through the food chain.

Small sea creatures, such as shrimp, often ingest methylmercury and are then eaten by other fish. These fish will now have more methylmercury in them than the original shrimp.

This process continues all the way up the food chain, so that a large fish may contain much more mercury than the fish it has eaten. This does not necessarily make it better to eat smaller fish, however. It is always essential for a person to check the source of their seafood to avoid contaminated fish and shellfish.

People worried about their exposure to mercury may want to limit their seafood intake, particularly of fish that are high on the food chain, such as swordfish, shark, white tuna, pike, walleye, and bass.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women may want to avoid or restrict their intake of fish and shellfish, as any mercury they contain can pass to the fetus or infant through the umbilical cord or breast milk.

Dental fillings

Amalgam fillings, commonly called silver fillings, contain approximately 40 to 50 percent mercury. Amalgam fillings are not often used now, as there are newer and safer alternatives.

Old fillings may increase a person’s risk for mercury exposure. Some people choose to replace their amalgam fillings to reduce their long-term exposure to mercury.

Other causes

Mercury poisoning may also be due to direct or environmental exposure. Mercury exposure may come from one or more of the following sources:

• mining for gold
• exposure to some types of jewelry
• exposure to older paints
• some vaccinations
• contact with a broken fever thermometer or older house thermometer
• toxic air in areas near factories that produce mercury as a by-product, such as coal plants

Some skin care products may also be tainted with mercury, though this is uncommon.

Doctors can usually diagnose mercury poisoning through a physical exam and blood tests. Doctors may ask about any symptoms the person is having, as well as for a general breakdown of their diet.

They may also ask questions about the environment the person lives or works in, including whether they live near any factories or work in an industrial plant.

If the doctor suspects mercury poisoning, a blood and or urine mercury test can gauge the levels of mercury in the body.

Treatment of mercury poisoning involves eliminating any and all exposure to the metal. Doctors will recommend that the person does not consume any seafood that contains mercury.

If mercury poisoning is related to a person’s workplace or environmental exposure, doctors may suggest that the person change their environment to reduce their exposure, or that the workplace puts new safety measures in place.

Mercury poisoning may cause some long-term side effects, which will be treated or managed individually.

Certain types of severe cases of mercury poisoning may require chelation therapy. This is the process of removing mercury from the organs so the body can dispose of it.

The drugs used in chelation therapy bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream and are then eliminated in the urine. Chelation therapy comes with its own risks and side effects, so it is crucial to use the medication only when necessary.

Mercury is toxic to humans. There is no standard cure for mercury poisoning, so it is best to avoid exposure to high amounts of mercury when possible.

Eliminating risk factors by making changes in the diet and work or living environment may help reduce the levels of mercury in the body.

It is essential to consult a doctor at the first sign of mercury poisoning, as it can have long-lasting effects. Parents and caregivers should also be aware of the signs of mercury poisoning in children and call a doctor if a child or infant displays any symptoms.

Mercury poisoning: Symptoms and early signs

There are numerous possible symptoms of mercury poisoning. Examples include nervousness, numbness, muscle weakness, nausea, and more. Treatment can include avoiding mercury and, in severe cases, chelation therapy.

Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans. Mercury poisoning is the result of being exposed to too much mercury, either through the diet or environment.

Consuming food that contains mercury is the most common cause of mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can cause severe symptoms and put the body at unnecessary risk.

A person can help prevent mercury poisoning by making changes to their diet and environment that limit exposure to the toxic metal.

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that is in many everyday products, albeit in tiny amounts. While this limited exposure is usually considered safe, a buildup of mercury is highly dangerous.

Mercury is a liquid at room temperature and readily vaporizes into the air around it. It is often a by-product of industrial processes, such as burning coal for power. Vaporized mercury can make its way into the rain, soil, and water, where it poses a risk to plants, animals, and humans.

Ingesting or coming into contact with too much mercury can cause symptoms of mercury poisoning.

Mercury may affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as:

• nervousness or anxiety
• irritability or mood changes
• numbness
• memory problems
• depression
• physical tremors

As the levels of mercury in the body rise, more symptoms will appear. These symptoms may vary depending on a person’s age and exposure levels. Adults with mercury poisoning may experience symptoms such as:

• muscle weakness
• metallic taste in the mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• lack of motor skills or feeling uncoordinated
• inability to feel in the hands, face, or other areas
• changes in vision, hearing, or speech
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking or standing straight

Mercury can also affect a child’s early development. Children with mercury poisoning may show symptoms such as:

• impaired motor skills
• problems thinking or problem-solving
• difficulties learning to speak or understanding language
• issues with hand-eye coordination
• being physically unaware of their surroundings

Mercury poisoning tends to develop slowly over time if a person comes into frequent contact with mercury. However, in some cases, mercury poisoning comes on quickly and is associated with a specific incident.

Anyone who experiences a sudden onset of mercury poisoning symptoms should call a doctor or poison control.

Exposure to high levels of mercury may also put a person at risk for long-term complications, including:

Neurological damage

Share on PinterestMercury poisoning may cause slow reflexes, damaged motor skills, and intelligence disorders.

High levels of mercury in the blood may put a person at risk for long-term neurological damage. These effects may be more pronounced in children who are still developing.

A study in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health noted that many incidents of mercury poisoning have led to long-term nerve damage, which can cause:

• intelligence disorders and low IQ
• slow reflexes
• damaged motor skills
• paralysis
• numbness
• problems with memory and concentration
• symptoms of ADHD

Reproductive effects

Mercury poisoning also poses a risk to the reproductive system. It may cause reduced sperm count or decreased fertility and may also cause problems with the fetus.

Possible effects of mercury poisoning include deformity and a decreased survival rate of the fetus, and reduced growth and size of the newborn at birth.

Cardiovascular risks

Mercury helps promote the accumulation of free radicals in the body, which puts the cells at risk for damage. This may lead to an increased risk of heart problems, including heart attack and coronary heart disease.

The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from eating seafood, but people can get mercury poisoning from industrial processing, thermometers and blood pressure machines, dental work, and old paints.

Mercury poisoning from seafood

Share on PinterestThe most common way for a human to have mercury poisoning is by eating seafood tainted with mercury.

Eating seafood that has been tainted with mercury is one of the most common ways humans accumulate mercury in their bodies. The mercury in seafood is a highly poisonous form of the metal called methylmercury, which forms when mercury dissolves into the water.

Methylmercury can be absorbed from the water by all sea creatures, but it also continues through the food chain.

Small sea creatures, such as shrimp, often ingest methylmercury and are then eaten by other fish. These fish will now have more methylmercury in them than the original shrimp.

This process continues all the way up the food chain, so that a large fish may contain much more mercury than the fish it has eaten. This does not necessarily make it better to eat smaller fish, however. It is always essential for a person to check the source of their seafood to avoid contaminated fish and shellfish.

People worried about their exposure to mercury may want to limit their seafood intake, particularly of fish that are high on the food chain, such as swordfish, shark, white tuna, pike, walleye, and bass.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women may want to avoid or restrict their intake of fish and shellfish, as any mercury they contain can pass to the fetus or infant through the umbilical cord or breast milk.

Dental fillings

Amalgam fillings, commonly called silver fillings, contain approximately 40 to 50 percent mercury. Amalgam fillings are not often used now, as there are newer and safer alternatives.

Old fillings may increase a person’s risk for mercury exposure. Some people choose to replace their amalgam fillings to reduce their long-term exposure to mercury.

Other causes

Mercury poisoning may also be due to direct or environmental exposure. Mercury exposure may come from one or more of the following sources:

• mining for gold
• exposure to some types of jewelry
• exposure to older paints
• some vaccinations
• contact with a broken fever thermometer or older house thermometer
• toxic air in areas near factories that produce mercury as a by-product, such as coal plants

Some skin care products may also be tainted with mercury, though this is uncommon.

Doctors can usually diagnose mercury poisoning through a physical exam and blood tests. Doctors may ask about any symptoms the person is having, as well as for a general breakdown of their diet.

They may also ask questions about the environment the person lives or works in, including whether they live near any factories or work in an industrial plant.

If the doctor suspects mercury poisoning, a blood and or urine mercury test can gauge the levels of mercury in the body.

Treatment of mercury poisoning involves eliminating any and all exposure to the metal. Doctors will recommend that the person does not consume any seafood that contains mercury.

If mercury poisoning is related to a person’s workplace or environmental exposure, doctors may suggest that the person change their environment to reduce their exposure, or that the workplace puts new safety measures in place.

Mercury poisoning may cause some long-term side effects, which will be treated or managed individually.

Certain types of severe cases of mercury poisoning may require chelation therapy. This is the process of removing mercury from the organs so the body can dispose of it.

The drugs used in chelation therapy bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream and are then eliminated in the urine. Chelation therapy comes with its own risks and side effects, so it is crucial to use the medication only when necessary.

Mercury is toxic to humans. There is no standard cure for mercury poisoning, so it is best to avoid exposure to high amounts of mercury when possible.

Eliminating risk factors by making changes in the diet and work or living environment may help reduce the levels of mercury in the body.

It is essential to consult a doctor at the first sign of mercury poisoning, as it can have long-lasting effects. Parents and caregivers should also be aware of the signs of mercury poisoning in children and call a doctor if a child or infant displays any symptoms.

Mercury poisoning: description, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Most of us have experienced that part of childhood, for which, perhaps, the main warning was: “Be careful with the thermometer!” Someone obeyed the adults without further questions, and someone was told in detail that the thermometer contains a very dangerous substance – mercury.

But what if a person has not noticed a broken or cracked thermometer and the symptoms of mercury poisoning have already begun to take effect?

Signs of poisoning will be the same in children and adults. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Weakness all over the body;
• Loss of appetite;
• Sore throat on swallowing;
• Headache;
• Metallic taste in mouth, bleeding gums;
• Profuse salivation;
• Edema;
• Chill;
• Vomiting;
• High temperature.

All these signs can be observed after a short time from the release of mercury vapor. A couple of hours are enough for the body to begin to react to poisoning, so in no case should you delay with emergency measures and proper disinfection of the room.
Of course, many have already switched to electronic thermometers, but mercury still continues to be invisibly present in everyday life. It is used in the production of other fragile household items – energy-saving incandescent lamps.

If, nevertheless, something bad happened – after washing the body, you can always check whether there is still mercury in the body by passing the appropriate tests:

Determination of mercury in urine

Mercury poisoning. What is mercury poisoning?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Mercury poisoning is an acute or chronic intoxication with a metallic variety of a given substance or its compounds (chloride, amidochloride, chlormerodrine). The main symptoms are vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, stomatitis, proteinuria, hematuria, lethargy, drowsiness, cough. In chronic forms, encephalopathy, impaired coordination is observed. When making a diagnosis, the clinical signs of the disease and the results of atomic absorption spectrometry are evaluated. Treatment includes antidotes, general antitoxic measures, and metabolic therapy.

ICD-10

T56.1 Toxic effects of mercury and its compounds

• Causes
• Pathogenesis
• Classification
• Symptoms of mercury poisoning
  • Acute poisoning
  • Mercurialize
  • Micromercurialism
• Complications
• Diagnostics
• Treatment for mercury poisoning
  • First aid
  • Scheduled treatment
  • Recovery
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General

Mercury poisoning (Hg) is a relatively rare pathology that often occurs in a chronic form. Regular long-term consumption of poison leads to damage to the tissues of the central nervous system, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, and oral mucosa. Acute varieties occur mainly during industrial accidents, when a large amount of toxicant is released into the environment. A dose of 2.5 g of metal vapor taken by inhalation is considered lethal. MPC for the working area is 0.005 mg/m3, for residential air – 0.0003 mg/m3.

mercury poisoning

Reasons

The main cause of chronic mercury intoxication is working in rooms with a high content of heavy metal fumes. Similar situations arise in the schlicho-enrichment industry, plants involved in the production of chlorine, alkalis, and high-purity metals. Acute mercury poisoning is the result of oral ingestion of mercury salts. In its pure form, the metal taken by mouth is not too toxic. Other possible reasons:

• Vapor leakage during laboratory experiments. May occur during use of equipment containing mercury. A common option is a broken thermometer. The xenobiotic contained in it is able to increase the concentration of vapors in the air up to 100-150 MPC. The problem may also arise from the use of other demonstration equipment containing mercury.
• Insecticides. Some formulations used to kill insects and pests contain mercury salts as an active ingredient. Violation of safety precautions when using them causes acute (less often chronic) exotoxicosis. The substance also accumulates in vegetables and fruits, which contributes to the occurrence of food poisoning.
• Medicinal preparations. Outdated medical products intended for the treatment of syphilis and gonorrhea were made on the basis of liquid metal salts. In patients treated with merkurbenzoate, symptoms of mercurialism were determined. Today, such medicines are not used in official medicine.
• Sea fish. The tissues of marine animals living in chemically polluted areas of the oceans are capable of accumulating Hg. Eating such food, a person daily receives a small amount of a poisonous substance. Over time, he develops signs of chronic intoxication. The food path of defeat is common among the inhabitants of Japan.
• Dental fillings. The installation of fillings containing amalgam was practiced until the beginning of the 2000s. At the moment, such technologies are no longer used on the territory of the Russian Federation, the United States, and the European Union. Mercury-based fillers continue to be used in some developing countries.
• Crime and suicide. For the purpose of murder or suicide, hydrargium salts are used, the lethal dose of which does not exceed 1 gram. Such cases were widespread in the VX-IX centuries. Today they are recorded extremely rarely, as more effective, fast-acting and non-marking poisons have appeared.

Pathogenesis

Mercury, entering the body, binds to the sulfhydryl groups of blood enzymes, blocking their activity. In addition, there is a violation of the biosynthesis of proteins and cellular ribonucleic acids. Target organs include the central nervous system, kidneys and liver, in which necrotic and dystrophic processes occur, and functional disorders develop. The lungs, cardiovascular apparatus, and muscles suffer somewhat less.

Mercury poisoning causes congenital malformations of the fetus. After birth, he has symptoms of prenatal damage: functional immaturity, malformations of the brain, excretion systems. Possible antenatal or early postnatal death, musculoskeletal defects, mental retardation. The teratogenic effect of the poison is more pronounced with mercurialism.

Classification

The disease is subdivided according to severity (severe, moderate, mild), causes (domestic, criminal, professional), type of damaging agent (metal mercury or its salts), the presence of complications (liver, kidney failure, encephalopathy). The most common classification criterion is the nature of the pathology:

• Acute mercury poisoning. It occurs due to the simultaneous intake of a large amount of a toxic substance into the body. It occurs during criminal intoxication, industrial accidents, inhalation of high concentration vapors. A similar variety is diagnosed in 18-20% of victims.
• Mercurialism. Variant of the chronic course of the disease. Symptoms of pathology are determined in people receiving small doses of Hg for a long time. It is often diagnosed in workers in industries that operate liquid metal, even if the necessary precautions are observed. The share in the overall structure of the disease is 30-32%.
• Micromercurialism. Signs of exotoxicosis are detected in patients who have been in contact with mercury compounds for 5-15 years. The reason is the regular intake of a xenobiotic microdose, which leads to its accumulation. It is characterized by a less specific course. Micromercurialism accounts for about 40% of the total number of mercury exotoxicoses.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning

Acute poisoning

In the acute variant of the course, the pathology is accompanied by the occurrence of abdominalgia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea mixed with blood. On the part of the nervous system, drowsiness, depression, periods of psychomotor agitation are noted. The consequences of inhalation of vapors are cough, chest pain, hyperthermia. Perhaps the development of pulmonary edema with the appearance of moist rales, foam from the mouth, orthopnea, diffuse cyanosis, sweating.

Later diuresis decreases, renal failure is formed. Patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth. On examination, salivation, rhinorrhea, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, bleeding gums are revealed. A dark border is visible on the gums, which is a specific evidence of pathology. Perhaps a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemodynamic instability.

Mercurialize

With mercurialism, signs of damage to the nervous system come to the fore. The patient is determined by the presence of neurosis, frequent mood swings, in which depression is replaced by outbursts of irritability, aggression. There are psychosomatic phenomena, arterial dystonia. Some patients complain of visual impairment caused by papillary edema or optic nerve atrophy. Anisocoria, swallowing disorder, may be present.

Mercury poisoning, provoked by the intake of its chemically related forms, is accompanied by limb ischemia. Patients note the appearance of dark pink spots on the tips of the toes and hands. Nails, hair, teeth begin to fall out, skin itching occurs. Additional symptoms are impaired coordination, tremor, and a drop in muscle tone. During specialized tests, a decrease in skin sensitivity is detected.

Micromercurialism

It manifests itself as a set of non-specific events that are rarely associated with mercury consumption at the stage of initial diagnosis. There are signs of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, a small tremor of the fingers on the hands, and a decrease in working capacity. Irritability, intolerance to interfering factors is determined. The clinical picture is mild, but progresses with time.

Complications

Among the possible complications is multiple organ failure, which is diagnosed in 37% of victims with an acute form of pathology. In 48% of patients, it develops after 10-20 years of regular intake of metal or its salts in tissues. Another common consequence of mercurialism is neurological changes, which often make a person disabled. About 38% of the victims have similar symptoms.

Inhalation of mercury vapor is accompanied by the development of pneumonia in 15-17% of patients, manifestations of toxic pulmonary edema are found in 20%. Approximately 10% of patients complain of problems with vision, hearing, tactile sensitivity. Almost all people who have suffered mercury poisoning note their own irascibility, frequent conflicts with others, and partial desocialization. This leads to difficulties in communicating with family and friends, management at work.

Diagnostics

One-stage mercury poisoning is diagnosed by an ambulance paramedic. The diagnosis is confirmed in the hospital, where the patient is assigned a series of laboratory and instrumental examinations. Consultations of the neurologist, gastroenterologist, therapist are required. Mercurialism is detected during the patient’s visit to a polyclinic or a poison control center. The following diagnostic methods are used:

• Physical. The skin is of normal color or pale, there are periods of increase and decrease in blood pressure. Muscle tone is inadequate. Heart sounds are muffled, rales can be heard in the lungs. Possible tachycardia. There are dark spots on the distal phalanges of the fingers, sometimes trophic ulcers are formed. On the oral mucosa there is a border, areas of bleeding.
• Laboratory. The content of mercury in the blood exceeds 5.8 µg/l. This indicator is determined using adsorption atomic spectrometry. Indirect evidence of mercurialism is eosinophilia, leukopenia, anemia, agranulocytosis. An increase in the activity of liver enzymes, creatinine, urea is possible.
• Hardware. When metallic Hg is ingested, it can be seen on x-rays of the intestines, and when administered intravenously, it can be seen in the vessels of the lungs. Computed and magnetic resonance imaging can detect changes in the parenchyma of the kidneys, liver, and cerebral tissues. ECG shows evidence of rhythm disturbance.

Treatment of mercury poisoning

Primary measures are standard for most poisonings. The victim should be removed from the zone of chemical contamination, provide fresh air, unfasten tight clothing. If the toxicant was taken orally, it is necessary to induce vomiting, rinse the stomach with a tubeless method. An exception is damage by mercury nitrate, which causes chemical burns. Chronic varieties do not require emergency pre-medical measures.

First Aid

It is carried out only in acute conditions. Symptomatic therapy aimed at correcting existing disorders is shown. Pulmonary edema requires infusion of loop diuretics, sanitation of the respiratory tract, intubation of the victim. Convulsions are eliminated with the help of benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants. Severe psychomotor agitation is eliminated by the introduction of antipsychotic medications. Unithiol is used as an antidote.

Gastric lavage is carried out with the introduction of a probe. The working solution is pure water with the addition of crushed activated carbon. After the end of the procedure, the victim is allowed to swallow the adsorbent tablets, the amount of which should correspond to body weight. It is permissible to use weak solutions of food acids or sodium chloride to cleanse the stomach. This increases the efficiency of manipulation.

Planned treatment

The main method of therapy is demercurialization with unithiol. The drug forms low-toxic soluble compounds with Hg, which are excreted in the urine. The agent is prescribed in courses, the duration is 3-4 days, the interval is 1-4 months. The duration of treatment can be up to 1 year. Patients also receive kacarboxylase, multivitamins, nootropics, glucocorticoids, folic acid, d-penicillamine as an additional antidote.

Posindromic therapy is indicated. Muscle relaxants are recommended for patients with central hypertonicity and a tendency to convulsions, anabolic steroids are recommended for children with a lack of muscle mass. For the purpose of sedation, sedative medications are given, including herbal ones. ATP is used to maintain the work of the heart, hepatoprotectors are used for the liver. Renal insufficiency is an indication for hemodialysis.

Recovery

It may run for several years. The convalescent is recommended to follow a diet with a restriction of spicy, salty, fatty, high-protein foods. Table salt should be excluded in order to avoid the development of edema. Diuresis is subject to careful control. With a decrease in the daily volume of urine, the amount of fluid consumed is limited; diuretics are used as prescribed by the doctor. Any contact with the toxicant is excluded.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for life is favorable. About 95% of people suffering from moderate or mild mercuryism overcome the 20-year survival threshold. In acute intoxication, mortality is 13-18%. Some residual symptoms persist throughout life in 67% of patients, some of them become disabled. The severity of the consequences is directly proportional to the amount of metal taken and the time of contact with it.

To prevent mercury poisoning, sanitary and hygienic standards should be strictly observed. In areas where work is carried out that requires the use of liquid metal, it is necessary to make regular measurements. If the MPC is exceeded, people must be evacuated, the contaminated zone is subject to chemical demercurialization using 20% ​​ferric chloride. Broken thermometers and other mercury-containing products must be handed over to special services.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of mercury poisoning.

Sources

1. Clinical toxicology of children and adolescents / Markova I.