Mercury Poisoning

Abstract

Mercury, with the element symbol Hg, is a heavy metal that is in liquid form at room temperature. Metallic (elemental) mercury is found in nature as inorganic salts and organic compounds, and any form of mercury can be toxic. It is widely used in modern technology, especially as a catalyst in the production of plastics, in various measuring and control devices, in the electricity and cement industries, in mining, in the production of cellulose, in the paint and paper industries, and as a filling material in dental treatments. Potential health risks may occur in individuals exposed to mercury in various ways. The effect of mercury and its compounds is related to the dose, the age of the affected person, the duration of exposure, the route of exposure, and the health and nutritional level of the affected person. Diagnosis of affected individuals is established by evaluating the history, symptoms, findings, and laboratory results. The first thing to do in treatment is to remove the patient from the source. While supportive treatment is sufficient in some cases, chelation therapy should be considered in the presence of findings such as high urine and blood mercury levels, respiratory distress, or acrodynia.