Summary about Disease
Mercury poisoning is a toxic condition caused by exposure to mercury. Mercury exists in various forms (elemental, inorganic, and organic), each with different routes of exposure and toxicity levels. The effects of mercury poisoning can range from mild to severe, depending on the form of mercury, the dose, the route of exposure, and the duration of exposure. It can affect the nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and other organs.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary based on the type of mercury involved:
Elemental Mercury (vapor): Tremors, emotional changes (irritability, shyness, nervousness), insomnia, neuromuscular changes (weakness, muscle atrophy, twitching), headaches, disturbances in sensation, changes in nerve responses, and performance deficits on neurobehavioral tests. High exposures can cause respiratory failure and death.
Inorganic Mercury (ingestion): Gastrointestinal damage (abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea), kidney damage.
Organic Mercury (methylmercury, typically from contaminated fish): Peripheral vision impairment, "pins and needles" feelings, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, speech impairment, hearing impairment, mental disturbances. In severe cases, can lead to coma and death.
Causes
Elemental Mercury: Inhalation of mercury vapor (e.g., from broken thermometers, industrial processes).
Inorganic Mercury: Ingestion (rarely) or skin absorption (certain skin creams) of mercury salts.
Organic Mercury: Consumption of contaminated fish (methylmercury), exposure during industrial processes.
Medicine Used
Chelation Therapy: Medications like dimercaprol (BAL), succimer (DMSA), or penicillamine (Cuprimine) are used to bind to mercury and help the body excrete it. The specific chelating agent depends on the type of mercury poisoning and the patient's condition. Supportive care, such as IV fluids, respiratory support, and treatment of seizures, may also be necessary.
Is Communicable
No, mercury poisoning is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid Exposure:
Be cautious when handling mercury-containing products (thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs). Clean up spills carefully using appropriate procedures (do not vacuum).
Follow fish consumption advisories to limit methylmercury intake. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children are particularly vulnerable.
Ensure proper ventilation in industrial settings where mercury is used.
Avoid using skin-lightening creams containing mercury.
Occupational Safety: Implement and enforce safety protocols in workplaces where mercury exposure is possible.
Education: Educate the public about the risks of mercury exposure.
How long does an outbreak last?
Mercury poisoning doesn't typically occur in outbreaks like infectious diseases. It is usually due to individual or small-group exposures. The "duration" of the effects depends on the severity of the exposure, the type of mercury, and how quickly treatment is initiated. Symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years, and in some cases, the damage can be permanent.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical History and Physical Exam: Evaluating potential exposure sources and clinical signs.
Blood Tests: To measure mercury levels in the blood. Different tests are used depending on the type of mercury exposure suspected.
Urine Tests: To measure mercury levels in the urine, particularly useful for inorganic mercury exposure.
Hair Analysis: Can be used to assess long-term methylmercury exposure.
Other Tests: Neurological exams, kidney function tests, and other tests may be conducted to assess the extent of organ damage.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptom onset varies greatly depending on the type and level of mercury exposure:
Acute, High-Level Exposure (e.g., elemental mercury vapor inhalation): Symptoms can appear within hours to days.
Chronic, Low-Level Exposure (e.g., methylmercury from fish consumption): Symptoms develop gradually over weeks, months, or even years. The insidious nature of this slow accumulation makes early detection difficult.
Important Considerations
Vulnerable Populations: Pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mercury, especially methylmercury. Mercury can cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier, affecting neurological development.
Environmental Impact: Mercury is a persistent environmental pollutant. Coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources release mercury into the atmosphere, which can then contaminate waterways and fish.
Individual Susceptibility: Genetic factors and pre-existing health conditions can influence an individual's susceptibility to mercury poisoning.
Long-Term Effects: Even after treatment, some neurological and kidney damage from mercury poisoning can be permanent.