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Questions and Answers
Which treatment is part of the curative options for chronic mercury toxicity?
Which treatment is part of the curative options for chronic mercury toxicity?
Among the signs of chronic mercury toxicity, which is associated with the central nervous system?
Among the signs of chronic mercury toxicity, which is associated with the central nervous system?
What is the primary focus for prophylactic treatment of workers exposed to mercury?
What is the primary focus for prophylactic treatment of workers exposed to mercury?
Which symptom is NOT associated with mercurial dysentery in chronic mercury toxicity?
Which symptom is NOT associated with mercurial dysentery in chronic mercury toxicity?
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Which physiological antidote is specifically mentioned for managing mercury toxicity?
Which physiological antidote is specifically mentioned for managing mercury toxicity?
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What is a common manifestation of chronic mercury poisoning in children exposed to mercurous chloride?
What is a common manifestation of chronic mercury poisoning in children exposed to mercurous chloride?
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Which of the following clinical presentations is associated with acute mercury toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract?
Which of the following clinical presentations is associated with acute mercury toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract?
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What type of mercury is particularly toxic to the central nervous system?
What type of mercury is particularly toxic to the central nervous system?
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Which substance is known as a disinfectant and is a form of inorganic mercury?
Which substance is known as a disinfectant and is a form of inorganic mercury?
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What condition can arise from exposure to mercury vapor leading to nervous manifestations?
What condition can arise from exposure to mercury vapor leading to nervous manifestations?
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Which of the following is a potential cause of death related to acute mercury toxicity?
Which of the following is a potential cause of death related to acute mercury toxicity?
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Which type of mercury is known to be incorporated and concentrated in the aquatic food chain?
Which type of mercury is known to be incorporated and concentrated in the aquatic food chain?
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What does mercury react with that results in cellular enzymatic depression?
What does mercury react with that results in cellular enzymatic depression?
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Study Notes
Mercury Toxicity
- Mercury (Hg), also known as hydrargyrum, is a toxic element.
- Sources of mercury exposure include elemental mercury (vapour, dental amalgams, thermometers), and inorganic salts (calomel, mercurous chloride).
- Elemental mercury is toxic only after inhalation.
- Inorganic salts are poorly absorbed if swallowed.
- Chronic exposure to inorganic mercury (especially in children from teething lotions or diaper powders) can cause pink teeth, a condition called Acrodynia.
- Organic mercury salts, like methyl mercury and ethyl mercury, act as diuretics and fungicides.
- These organic forms are significant environmental contaminants accumulating in the aquatic food chain.
Mechanism of Action
- Mercury reacts with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in cells, suppressing enzymatic mechanisms.
- Elemental mercury vapor and organic mercury compounds are especially harmful to the central nervous system (CNS).
- Inorganic mercuric salts are corrosive and toxic to the kidneys.
Acute Mercury Toxicity - Clinical Presentation
- Gastrointestinal (GIT): Metallic taste, burning sensation, nausea, blood-tinged vomiting, tenesmus (leading to potentially bloody diarrhea—mercurial dysentery), dehydration and collapsing.
- Renal: Acute toxic glomerulonephritis leading to reduced urine output (oliguria), presence of protein and blood in the urine (albumin and blood casts), and possible kidney failure (anuria and renal failure).
- Respiratory: Corrosive bronchitis leading to pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs). Nervous system symptoms can include tremors and increased excitability.
Acute Mercury Toxicity - Causes of Death
- Dehydration can occur within 24 hours.
- Renal Failure can occur within 10 days.
Acute Mercury Toxicity - Treatment
- Immediate action: Remove the exposed person from the source of exposure.
- Gastric lavage: Using local antidotes like egg whites and skimmed milk (precipitating mercury albuminate) and sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate as a reducing agent to make the mercury chloride insoluble.
Chronic Mercury Toxicity - Mercurialism - Clinical Presentation
- Gastrointestinal (GIT): Salivation (early sign), grey line on the gums, gingivitis (inflammation and swelling of the gums), loose teeth and gangrene (cancrum oris)
- Renal: Albuminuria (protein in the urine), haematuria (blood in the urine), granular and hyaline casts, oliguria (reduced urine output), and renal failure.
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Kinetic tremors (cerebellar), Hg erethism (shyness, loss of confidence, vague fears, depression, neurosis), dermatitis, and Mercurialentis (discolouration of eye lens capsule).
Chronic Mercury Toxicity - Treatment
- Prophylactic: Regular medical checks for exposed workers, proper ventilation and protective clothing. Ca, Zn, Fe supplements.
- Curative: Stop further mercury exposure. Physiological antidotes via chelation therapy (D-penicillamine, BAL, DMSA, DMPS), symptomatic treatment (mouth hygiene, tranquilizers, antidotes for salivation).
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Description
This quiz explores the toxic effects of mercury, its sources, and mechanisms of action. It highlights how different forms of mercury impact human health and the environment, particularly focusing on neurological and kidney toxicity. Test your knowledge on the dangers of mercury exposure and its implications.
