Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary method of removing mercury from further exposure in cases of toxicity?
What is the primary method of removing mercury from further exposure in cases of toxicity?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Chronic mercury toxicity, also known as Mercurialism?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Chronic mercury toxicity, also known as Mercurialism?
Which treatment method can be classified as a physiological antidote for mercury toxicity?
Which treatment method can be classified as a physiological antidote for mercury toxicity?
What type of dermatitis is associated with chronic mercury poisoning?
What type of dermatitis is associated with chronic mercury poisoning?
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Which of the following is a common psychiatric manifestation of mercury toxicity?
Which of the following is a common psychiatric manifestation of mercury toxicity?
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What is a major GIT symptom associated with chronic mercury toxicity?
What is a major GIT symptom associated with chronic mercury toxicity?
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What is indicated for the treatment of salivation caused by mercury toxicity?
What is indicated for the treatment of salivation caused by mercury toxicity?
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Which occupancy-related preventive measure should be undertaken for workers exposed to mercury?
Which occupancy-related preventive measure should be undertaken for workers exposed to mercury?
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Which of the following is a renal symptom of chronic mercury toxicity?
Which of the following is a renal symptom of chronic mercury toxicity?
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During chelation therapy for mercury poisoning, which of the following agents is NOT typically used?
During chelation therapy for mercury poisoning, which of the following agents is NOT typically used?
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Which of the following statements about elemental mercury is correct?
Which of the following statements about elemental mercury is correct?
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What is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Acrodynia?
What is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Acrodynia?
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Which mercury compound is known for its use as a disinfectant?
Which mercury compound is known for its use as a disinfectant?
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How does mercury primarily affect cellular function?
How does mercury primarily affect cellular function?
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Which statement best describes the effect of mercury vapour?
Which statement best describes the effect of mercury vapour?
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In which situation would Acute toxic glomerulonephritis occur as a result of mercury exposure?
In which situation would Acute toxic glomerulonephritis occur as a result of mercury exposure?
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What is the anticipated cause of death 10 days after severe mercury poisoning?
What is the anticipated cause of death 10 days after severe mercury poisoning?
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of acute mercury toxicity?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of acute mercury toxicity?
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Which type of mercury exposure is associated with chronic poisoning and specifically impacts children?
Which type of mercury exposure is associated with chronic poisoning and specifically impacts children?
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Which of these mercury compounds primarily acts as a diuretic?
Which of these mercury compounds primarily acts as a diuretic?
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Study Notes
Mercury Toxicity
- Mercury (Hg), also known as hydrargyrum, is a toxic heavy metal.
- Sources include elemental mercury (vapour, dental amalgam, thermometers, sphygmomanometers) and inorganic salts (calomel—mercurous chloride).
- Elemental mercury is toxic only after inhalation; it is poorly absorbed if swallowed.
- Inorganic salts (calomel) are also poorly absorbed. Chronic exposure to mercury chloride in teething lotions and diaper powders can cause pink teeth (Acrodynia).
- Symptoms of Acrodynia include insomnia, hypertension, skin peeling, alopecia, painful and pink hands, and acute renal failure within 24 hours.
- Mercuric chloride is a disinfectant. Mercurial fulminate is used in percussion caps.
- Organic mercurial salts are diuretics and fungicides. Methyl mercury and ethyl mercury are environmental contaminants found in aquatic food chains.
- Mercury reacts with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, depressing cellular enzymatic mechanisms. Elemental mercury vapor and organic mercurial compounds are very toxic to the central nervous system (CNS), while inorganic mercuric salts are corrosive and nephrotoxic.
Acute Mercury Toxicity
- Clinical Presentation (GIT): Metallic taste, burning sensation from mouth to stomach, nausea and blood-tinged vomiting, tenesmus (leading to diarrhea with mucus and blood), and dehydration and collapse.
- Clinical Presentation (Renal): Acute toxic glomerulonephritis, oliguria, albumin and blood casts, and anuria and renal failure (RF).
- Clinical Presentation (other): Corrosive bronchitis, pulmonary edema, and nervous system manifestations (tremors, increased excitability) from mercury vapor exposure.
- Causes of Death: Dehydration within 24 hours and renal failure within 10 days.
Treatment (Acute Mercury Toxicity)
- Step 1: Remove from further exposure.
- Step 2: Gastric lavage using local antidotes (egg white and skimmed milk forming Hg albuminate precipitate, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate as a reducing agent).
Chronic Mercury Toxicity ("Mercurialism")
- Clinical Presentation (GIT): Salivation (an early sign), gray line on the gums, gingivitis (inflamed gums with loose teeth), and gangrene (cancrum oris).
- Clinical Presentation (GIT): Mercurial dysentery (diarrhea with mucus and blood).
- Clinical Presentation (Renal): Albuminuria, hematuria, granular and hyaline casts, oliguria, and renal failure.
- Clinical Presentation (CNS): Kinetic tremors (cerebellar affection), psychic effects (Hg erethism—shyness, loss of confidence, vague fears, and depression/neurosis), skin dermatitis, and mercurialentis (eye lens discoloration).
Treatment (Chronic Mercury Toxicity)
- Prophylactic Treatment: periodic medical examinations for exposed workers, ensuring proper exhaust ventilation, dust filters, and protective clothing (masks, gloves, boots), and intake of proper amounts of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe).
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Curative Treatment:
- Step 1: Stop further exposure
-
Step 2: Physiological antidotes. (Chelation therapy)
- D-Penicillamine
- BAL (British Anti-Lewisite) and its oral analogues (DMSA, DMPS).
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Step 3: Symptomatic treatments
- Mouth hygiene
- Tranquilizers
- Atropine for salivation
- Sodium hyposulphite for dermatitis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on mercury toxicity and its effects on health. This quiz covers sources of mercury, symptoms of exposure, and the various forms of mercury and their impacts. Learn about both elemental and organic mercurial compounds and their relevance in health and the environment.
