What are the signs of mercury poisoning. How does mercury accumulate in the body. Can mercury poisoning cause long-term health effects. What are the main sources of mercury exposure. How is mercury poisoning diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Mercury and Its Toxic Effects on Human Health

Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that poses significant health risks when it accumulates in the human body. This silvery liquid metal vaporizes at room temperature, allowing it to easily spread through air, water, and soil. While trace amounts of mercury are present in many everyday products, excessive exposure can lead to mercury poisoning – a serious condition with potentially severe and long-lasting health consequences.

Mercury enters the environment through both natural processes and human activities. Industrial practices like coal burning release mercury into the atmosphere, where it can travel long distances before settling into water bodies and soil. From there, mercury works its way up the food chain, becoming increasingly concentrated in larger predatory fish and posing risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood.

Forms of Mercury and Routes of Exposure

• Elemental mercury: Vapor from liquid mercury can be inhaled
• Inorganic mercury compounds: Can be ingested or absorbed through skin contact
• Organic mercury (methylmercury): Primarily consumed through contaminated fish and shellfish

While limited exposure to trace amounts of mercury is generally considered safe, chronic low-level exposure or acute high-dose exposure can result in mercury poisoning. The severity of symptoms depends on factors like the form of mercury, route of exposure, duration, and individual susceptibility.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning can affect multiple body systems, with symptoms often developing gradually over time. However, acute high-dose exposure may cause rapid onset of severe symptoms. Recognizing the signs of mercury toxicity is crucial for early intervention and treatment.

Neurological Symptoms

Mercury has a particular affinity for the nervous system, leading to a range of neurological symptoms:

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irritability and mood swings
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Tremors

Physical Symptoms in Adults

As mercury levels in the body increase, more severe physical symptoms may manifest:

• Muscle weakness
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Impaired motor skills and coordination
• Loss of sensation in hands, face, or other areas
• Vision and hearing changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Impaired gait and balance

Effects on Child Development

Children are particularly vulnerable to mercury’s toxic effects, which can impair crucial developmental processes:

• Delayed motor skill development
• Cognitive impairments affecting thinking and problem-solving
• Speech and language difficulties
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Lack of spatial awareness

Do mercury poisoning symptoms appear immediately? While chronic low-level exposure typically leads to gradual symptom onset, acute high-dose exposure can cause rapid development of severe symptoms. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Long-Term Health Consequences of Mercury Exposure

Prolonged or severe mercury exposure can result in lasting health impacts, even after the initial poisoning is addressed. These long-term effects underscore the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Neurological Damage

Mercury’s neurotoxic properties can lead to persistent neurological issues, particularly in children whose nervous systems are still developing. Potential long-term effects include:

• Cognitive impairments and reduced IQ
• Slow reflexes
• Permanent motor skill deficits
• Paralysis
• Chronic numbness
• Ongoing memory and concentration problems
• Symptoms resembling ADHD

Reproductive Health Impacts

Mercury exposure can have significant consequences for reproductive health and fetal development:

• Reduced sperm count and fertility issues
• Increased risk of fetal deformities
• Lower fetal survival rates
• Reduced growth and birth weight in newborns

Cardiovascular Risks

Mercury promotes the accumulation of free radicals in the body, potentially leading to cellular damage and increased cardiovascular risks. This may manifest as:

• Elevated risk of heart attack
• Higher incidence of coronary heart disease
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis

Can the effects of mercury poisoning be reversed? While some symptoms may improve with treatment and removal from mercury exposure, severe or prolonged poisoning can result in permanent neurological damage and other lasting health effects.

Common Sources of Mercury Exposure

Understanding the primary sources of mercury exposure is essential for prevention and risk reduction. While seafood consumption is a major contributor, other sources also pose significant risks.

Mercury in Seafood

Consuming mercury-contaminated seafood is the most common route of exposure for most people. Mercury in waterways becomes methylmercury, a highly toxic organic form that bioaccumulates up the aquatic food chain.

• Small fish absorb methylmercury from their environment
• Larger predatory fish consume multiple smaller fish, concentrating mercury in their tissues
• Top predators like tuna, swordfish, and shark can contain very high levels of mercury

Which fish are highest in mercury? Large predatory fish typically contain the highest mercury levels. Examples include:

• King mackerel
• Marlin
• Orange roughy
• Shark
• Swordfish
• Tilefish
• Ahi tuna
• Bigeye tuna

Industrial and Occupational Exposure

Certain industries and occupations carry a higher risk of mercury exposure:

• Mining and metal processing
• Coal-fired power plants
• Waste incineration facilities
• Chlor-alkali plants
• Dental practices (amalgam fillings)
• Laboratories using mercury-containing equipment

Household and Consumer Product Sources

Mercury can be found in various everyday items, though regulations have reduced its use in many products:

• Old thermometers and blood pressure devices
• Certain types of light bulbs (e.g., compact fluorescent lamps)
• Some batteries
• Old latex paints (pre-1990)
• Antique mirrors and glass items

How can mercury exposure from everyday sources be minimized? Proper handling and disposal of mercury-containing products, using alternative products when available, and following safety guidelines in occupational settings can significantly reduce exposure risks.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mercury Poisoning

Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing mercury poisoning and minimizing long-term health consequences.

Diagnostic Approaches

Diagnosing mercury poisoning typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory testing:

• Medical history and symptom evaluation
• Blood mercury level testing
• Urine mercury analysis (for inorganic and elemental mercury exposure)
• Hair analysis (for long-term methylmercury exposure)
• Neurological and cognitive assessments

What blood mercury level is considered toxic? While there’s no universally agreed-upon threshold, blood mercury levels above 10 μg/L (micrograms per liter) are generally considered elevated and may warrant further investigation or intervention.

Treatment Strategies

The primary goal of treatment is to remove the source of mercury exposure and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Treatment approaches may include:

• Identifying and eliminating the source of mercury exposure
• Supportive care to manage symptoms
• Chelation therapy for severe cases (administration of chelating agents to bind and remove mercury from the body)
• Hemodialysis in cases of acute, life-threatening mercury poisoning
• Nutritional support and supplementation
• Monitoring and management of potential complications

Is chelation therapy always necessary for mercury poisoning? Chelation therapy is typically reserved for severe cases of mercury poisoning or when blood mercury levels are exceptionally high. In many cases, removing the source of exposure and providing supportive care is sufficient.

Preventing Mercury Poisoning: Risk Reduction Strategies

While complete avoidance of mercury exposure is challenging in the modern world, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk of mercury poisoning.

Dietary Considerations

Modifying seafood consumption habits is one of the most effective ways to limit mercury exposure:

• Choose low-mercury fish options (e.g., salmon, trout, tilapia, cod)
• Limit consumption of high-mercury fish species
• Follow local fish advisories for recreationally caught fish
• Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children should be especially cautious about fish consumption

Occupational Safety Measures

Workers in industries with potential mercury exposure should adhere to strict safety protocols:

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for mercury-containing materials
• Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas
• Participate in regular health monitoring programs

Household Precautions

Minimizing mercury exposure at home involves careful product choices and proper handling:

• Replace mercury thermometers with digital alternatives
• Properly dispose of fluorescent bulbs and other mercury-containing items
• Be cautious when handling or removing old paint in homes built before 1990
• Consider alternatives to dental amalgam fillings

How should a mercury spill be cleaned up safely? Never use a vacuum cleaner, as this can vaporize the mercury. Instead, use a specialized mercury spill kit or contact professional hazardous waste services for proper cleanup and disposal.

Global Efforts to Reduce Mercury Pollution

Recognizing the widespread environmental and health impacts of mercury pollution, international efforts are underway to reduce mercury emissions and exposure on a global scale.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury

This global treaty, which entered into force in 2017, aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic mercury emissions:

• Bans new mercury mines and phases out existing ones
• Reduces mercury use in products and industrial processes
• Controls mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and other sources
• Regulates artisanal and small-scale gold mining practices
• Promotes mercury-free alternatives in healthcare and dentistry

National and Regional Initiatives

Many countries and regions have implemented their own mercury reduction strategies:

• Stricter emissions controls on industrial sources
• Phasing out mercury-containing products
• Improving recycling and waste management practices
• Enhancing public education about mercury risks and safe handling
• Implementing fish consumption advisories and monitoring programs

What impact have these global efforts had on mercury levels? While progress has been made, mercury pollution remains a significant global challenge. Continued international cooperation and strengthened implementation of the Minamata Convention are crucial for long-term reduction of mercury in the environment and food chain.

As our understanding of mercury’s health impacts grows and global reduction efforts continue, individuals can play a crucial role in minimizing their own exposure risks. By staying informed about mercury sources, making conscious consumer choices, and supporting broader pollution reduction initiatives, we can work towards a future with reduced mercury-related health threats for ourselves and future generations.

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.