Mercury, Adverse Effects

Details

• Personal Author:
  Goldman RH
• Description:
  Mercury (Hg) poisoning can occur from exposure to either inorganic mercury (elemental mercury or mercury salt compounds) or organic mercury compounds. Diagnosis is based upon the combination of symptoms, the signs on physical examination, and the history of exposure. Laboratory tests to determine the concentration of mercury in blood and urine can be helpful in supporting the diagnosis. The signs and symptoms vary by the type of mercury or mercurial compound, and by the dose and length of exposure. Acute poisoning by elemental or inorganic mercurial compounds is rare, and often presents with respiratory tract or skin irritation, kidney damage, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth and gums), and gastrointestinal complaints. Renal injury is of particular concern after exposure to mercuric chloride. Neurological symptoms can develop subsequently, and are similar to those seen from chronic overexposure. Chronic exposure is much more common and is associated with the classic triad of tremor, psychological disorder (extreme shyness and emotional labilty termed "erethism"), and stomatitis. An initial fine resting tremor may progress to an intention tremor. A sensory peripheral neuropathy may develop with distal paresthesias. Early cognitive changes can eventually progress to dementia as a later manifestation. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Blood Digestive System Digestive System Diseases Environmental Exposure Hematologic Tests Laboratories Mercury Occupational Health Poisoning Respiratory System Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Skin Urine

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• Keywords:
  Blood Samples Exposure Levels Gastrointestinal System Disorders Inorganic Compounds Kidney Damage Laboratory Testing Mercury Compounds Neurological Reactions Organic Compounds Poisons Psychological Disorders Renal Toxicity Respiratory Irritants Risk Factors Skin Exposure Skin Irritants

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• ISBN:
  9780875530437
• Publisher:
  American Public Health Association
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Book
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  336-340
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20060253
• Citation:
  Preventing occupational disease and injury, second edition. Levy BS, Wagner GR, Rest KM, Weeks JL, eds. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, 2005 Jan; :336-340
• CAS Registry Number:
  Mercury (CAS RN 7439-97-6) ; Mercury chloride (Hg2Cl2) (CAS RN 10112-91-1)
• Editor(s):
  Levy BS; Wagner GR; Rest KM; Weeks JL
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2005
• Performing Organization:
  Harvard School of Public Health
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20030701
• Source Full Name:
  Preventing occupational disease and injury, second edition
• End Date:
  20050630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:c9fdfcefa63f62056812d0fcf927426fd694dbe0429b621ff9c3cd0c06d22a2d6d1d67165c7b716c1d62ca31ad1e7e259550cb64aaf46e951692537b99413a5f
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/224211/cdc_224211_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 256.84 KB ]