Exposure to it can cause the neurological disorder erethism mercurialis - with at least one observable symptom, according to Thomas Gebel, a toxicologist at Germany's Federal Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in Dortmund.
They start to skid off at the end of the line and can't write straight," Gebel says. Even a simple thing such as a broken thermometer can lead to mercury poisoning.
It can be particularly dangerous in a children's playroom if liquid mercury seeps into cracks and corners and is left undisturbed to vaporize. But mercury vaporizes more slowly, it can take days or weeks, and could be inhaled over a longer period of time," says Gebel. Jochen Flasbarth, president of Germany's Federal Environment Agency, says children in some developing countries often expose themselves to the risks by disassembling florescent lamps and energy saving lamps to get at the metal inside.
In addition to liquid mercury, mercury salts and compounds are also dangerous, especially when they get into water systems through industrial waste. Mercury poisoning via heavily contaminated seafood and fish can harm a person's fertility as well as threaten their nervous system. But while mercury is generally considered highly poisonous, doctors in the late 19th century gave patients significant amounts of the element to treat intestinal obstructions.
The effect is completely different when mercury is inhaled. As a vapor, the mercury is inhaled as individual atoms and quickly absorbed by the lungs where its poisonous effects begin to develop. If, however, you drink mercury, hardly any of it stays in the system - most of it exits the body once it has performed its function. But you really shouldn't try drinking mercury - most of the patients in the 19th century didn't survive.
It's all too easy to inhale mercury unintentionally along the way. Humans have been using mercury since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was used in alchemy and medicine. It was only in the modern period that it became clear that the metal is highly poisonous. There's also mercury in fluorescent lighting. Although they save energy, disposal can be a problem.
Energy-saving bulbs should not be thrown away with other waste, due to the tiny amount of mercury they contain. A forklift operator at the DELA recycling company in Essen, Germany, dumps a load of compact fluorescent tubes into a shredder. 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. Arsenic poisoning is caused by the ingestion, absorption, or inhalation of dangerous amounts of arsenic, a natural semi-metallic chemical. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a potentially life threatening immune response throughout the body.
Here, learn to spot it and what to do…. Zinc is a mineral that is essential for human health. Here, find out why people need zinc, which foods supply it, and what happens if levels are too…. Overview Symptoms Complications Causes Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Mercury poisoning is the result of being exposed to too much mercury, either through the diet or environment. What is mercury poisoning?
Share on Pinterest Mercury poisoning may lead to neurological symptoms. Symptoms and early signs. Long-term complications. Share on Pinterest Mercury poisoning may cause slow reflexes, damaged motor skills, and intelligence disorders. Share on Pinterest The most common way for a human to have mercury poisoning is by eating seafood tainted with mercury. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M.
Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is arsenic poisoning? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. While there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking amalgam with either ill health or birth defects, these recommendations have been made for precautionary reasons.
Not all batteries contain mercury, but those that do can damage the environment if they end up in landfill. Your local council can give you advice about safe disposal of batteries. The effect of mercury exposure depends on the type of mercury. In general, mercury tends to affect the nervous system.
This means that unborn babies and children are at more risk because their nervous systems are developing. People at higher risk from mercury exposure include:. Pregnant women should avoid mercury so that it is not transmitted to their unborn baby via the bloodstream. Levels of mercury in breastmilk are normally not high enough to be a risk for babies. In the first half of the twentieth century, teething powders and other products for babies contained mercury and some babies contracted pink disease.
In this condition, the feet, hands and the tip of the nose are bright pink. Other skin problems, diarrhoea and lethargy were also symptoms. Pink disease is now rare, but adults who had pink disease are more sensitive to mercury and may have a number of other health complaints.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning depend on the form of the mercury that was the source of the exposure. Early symptoms of mercury poisoning can include a metallic taste in the mouth and numbness and tingling in the hands, feet and face. Most people have some methylmercury in their tissues, but these are at a level that not does cause damage.
Excess methylmercury particularly affects the nervous symptom. For unborn babies, infants and children this is especially damaging as their brains and nervous systems are developing. Methylmercury poisoning can cause disturbances in:. This type of poisoning is most likely to occur if there is a spill of mercury from a thermometer or other mercury-containing device.
Poisoning is often caused by inhaled mercury vapour, especially in places where there is poor ventilation. Symptoms include:. This type of poisoning is more likely to be related to industrial exposure.
Symptoms of inorganic mercury poisoning include:. Poisoning from methylmercury can take weeks or months to appear. A chemical spill with elemental mercury or inorganic mercury might give you symptoms more rapidly.
Mercury poisoning is diagnosed by testing your blood and urine for mercury levels. Urine might be collected over a hour period. Your doctor will ask about the history of your possible exposure and may also monitor your temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and breathing.
If mercury poisoning is suspected, treatment might begin before the diagnosis is confirmed. This is because the test results can take some time to come back to the doctor.
If mercury poisoning is suspected in people who are critically ill, your doctor will most likely treat you with chelation therapy, no matter what form of mercury caused the poisoning.
Chelation therapy is made up of compounds that enter your bloodstream and bind to the mercury so that it can be eliminated by your body.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden. When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease. Around 75 per cent of Melbourne's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions.
Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Mine tailings near goldmines may contain high levels of arsenic.
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