Mercury Toxicity Overview

A medical condition caused by long-term exposure to mercury.

A common symptom of mercurialism, causing excessive salivation and a silvery line on the gum tissue.

A key treatment approach for mercurialism, involving the use of drugs that bind and remove mercury from the body.

A type of treatment which focuses on managing the specific symptoms of mercurialism.

A simple way to help prevent mercurialism, involving regular checkups for workers exposed to mercury.

Mercury is a heavy metal with various forms, each posing unique toxicity risks. Elemental mercury, found in thermometers and dental fillings, is primarily dangerous upon inhalation, while inorganic salts like calomel can cause poisoning in children when absorbed through the skin, leading to pink teeth and other complications. Organic mercurial salts, often used in fungicides and diuretics, contaminate food chains and are particularly harmful as they accumulate in the environment.

Acrodynia is a condition caused by mercury poisoning, often in children. Exposure to mercurous chloride in lotions or powders leads to absorption and a characteristic pink coloration of the teeth. Other symptoms include insomnia, hypertension, peeling skin, alopecia, pink and painful hands, and potential acute renal failure.

Mercury vapor, a form of elemental mercury, is particularly toxic to the central nervous system (CNS). Organic mercury compounds, like methyl and ethyl mercury, also severely impact the CNS. These forms are often absorbed through the environment, poisoning the CNS.

Inorganic mercuric salts are corrosive and specifically target the kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity. They cause damage to the renal tubules, leading to kidney failure and other complications.

Mercury poisoning manifests in a variety of ways affecting the gastrointestinal, renal, and respiratory systems. Symptoms include metallic taste, burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, tenesmus (mercurial dysentery), dehydration, acute glomerulonephritis, oliguria, corrosive bronchitis, pulmonary edema, tremors, and increased excitability.

Dehydration is a primary cause of death in acute mercury toxicity. It occurs within 24 hours due to the combination of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea which deplete the body of fluids. The digestive system is severely compromised by the poisoning.

Acute renal failure (RF) is a significant cause of death happening around 10 days after mercury poisoning. Inorganic mercuric salts specifically target the kidneys, causing damage and dysfunction. This leads to an inability to filter waste products efficiently, causing kidney failure.

Treatment for acute mercury poisoning involves immediate measures to stabilize the patient and prevent escalation of the condition. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances need to be corrected promptly. Chelating agents, substances that bind to mercury and facilitate its excretion, are used to remove mercury from the body, reducing tissue damage. Supportive care, including breathing assistance and dialysis in severe cases, is crucial for recovery.