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Mercury in the body symptoms: Mercury poisoning: Symptoms and early signs

by alexxlab

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.

Beware: mercury! – Useful information

Reminder to the public

Mercury is a silvery-white liquid metal, specific gravity under normal conditions is 13. 55 gcm3. Metallic mercury is poison. The main route of mercury entry into the human body, leading to the development of acute and chronic poisoning, is inhalation. Acute poisoning of people is possible when the concentration of mercury in the air is in the range of 0.13-0.8 mgm3. Materials such as wood, plastic, paint, etc. actively absorb mercury vapor. A serious danger to people is mercury, which accumulates (deposits) under the floor, in cracks, etc. It is a source of secondary infection of the object. After demercurization and ventilation of the premises, the concentration of vapors in the air decreases to the permissible level, but then mercury vapor begins to be released from the structural materials and their concentration increases sharply and can exceed the permissible value by many times.

Mercury vapor even at concentrations of 100 MPC (maximum permissible concentrations) and more have no color, no smell, no taste, do not have an immediate irritating effect on the respiratory, vision, skin integuments.

Mercury vapor poisoning appears after 8-24 hours.

Acute mercury vapor poisoning causes copper-red coloration of the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, possible increase in body temperature up to 39°C. After a few hours, and sometimes days, an upset stomach may appear. There is redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums.

All of the above phenomena are accompanied by an extremely painful condition, a feeling of fear, severe headaches and pain when swallowing, rapid pulse, cardiac weakness, cramps in the calf muscles. Possible fatal outcome.

Chronic mercury poisoning (merculism) usually begins with mild symptoms of acute poisoning. In the future, general malaise, loss of appetite, and weight loss gradually develop. The affected person becomes nervous, weakness, drowsiness, heavy dreams and irritability, headaches, joint pains appear. In severe cases of poisoning, working capacity, mental activity, and memory are reduced. A “mercury tremor” (trembling) of the fingers, eyelids, lips and toes develops – typical signs of mercury neurasthenia.

Metallic mercury and its vapors affect not only the internal organs of a person, but also affect his skin (hair loss, rash, itching, changes in skin sensitivity).

ATTENTION CITIZENS:

If you broke a thermometer:

First – do not panic, in domestic conditions, competent demercurization (neutralization of surfaces contaminated with metallic mercury) can be carried out independently.

1. Open windows to let fresh air in and lower the temperature in the room (the warmer it is in the apartment, the more metal evaporates).

2. Restrict people’s access to the room where the device crashed (close the doors) in order to prevent the spread of mercury to adjacent rooms and the spread of vapors around the apartment, lay a rug soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate at the entrance.

3. Start the demercurization process.

Conduct a thorough inspection of things and surfaces that may have been exposed to droplets of mercury. All contaminated items should be placed in plastic bags and taken out of the room. Carefully and carefully collect all the fragments of the thermometer and mercury balls in any sealed container (for example, a glass jar with a polyethylene lid). A medical pear with a thin tip, an enameled scoop, a sheet of thick paper, and an adhesive plaster will help well in this work.

Vacuum cleaner is not recommended as when mercury is collected by a vacuum cleaner in the room, the concentration of vapors increases sharply and when working without protective equipment, you can get tangible poisoning; after such a procedure, an ordinary vacuum cleaner can no longer be used for its intended purpose due to heavy pollution. Washing vacuum cleaners can be restored only after thorough washing with special solutions.

Treat floors and objects that have been exposed to mercury with a chlorine-based product. Chemical neutralization is carried out as follows:

– in a plastic (not metal!) bucket, a solution of chlorine-containing bleach (“Whiteness” or bleach powder) is prepared at the rate of 1 liter of the product per 8 liters of water (2% solution). With the resulting solution, using a sponge, brush or floor cloth, the floor and other contaminated surfaces are washed. Particular attention is paid to the cracks of parquet and skirting boards. The applied solution is kept for 15 minutes, then washed off with clean water.

– in the future, it is desirable to regularly wash the floor with soap and soda solution and intensive ventilation.

4. Think about your own health :

a) wash gloves and shoes with soap and soda solution

b) rinse your mouth and throat;

c) brush your teeth thoroughly;

d) take 2-3 activated charcoal tablets.

What should I do if mercury is found somewhere?

Sometimes mercury is found spilled in the entrance, at the workplace, sometimes it is found by children. Such cases, unfortunately, are not rare.

This is an emergency and should not be dealt with on your own. Remember that you can never accurately determine how much of a hazardous substance is spilled, where it leaked and how much evaporated.

Professionals clean the room with chemicals that react with and neutralize mercury, and then wash away the compounds.

Licensed organizations on the territory of the Vladimir region engaged in the demercurization and disposal of mercury-containing waste:

– Engineering LLC

Address: Vladimir, st. Gorky, house 106, office 41,

tel./fax 8 (4922) 34-08-15

– Econorma LLC

Address: Vladimir, st. Dvoryanskaya, house 27 “A”, building 7, office 28

Tel. 8 (4922) 37-12-13

Works are carried out in accordance with the price list, prices must be specified by phone organizations.

Mercury poisoning: description, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Most of us have come across 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 did not notice 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 both 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;
  • Puffiness;
  • Chill;
  • Vomiting;
  • Heat.

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.