Tellurium-intoxication

Abstract

Tellurium is one of the rarest elements on earth. Intoxications are rare and almost exclusively occupationally exposed workers are affected. Only a few cases of non - occupational poisoning have been reported so far. Severe poisoning results in respiratory depression and circulatory collapse. After occupational exposure main symptoms and signs include loss of appetite, dryness of the mouth, suppression of sweating, a metallic taste in the mouth, and most notable, a sharp garlic odor of the breath, sweat and urine. We report our findings in a 37 year old, non-occupationally exposed woman with tellurium intoxication. © 1989 Springer-Verlag.