A health condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to mercury is called mercury poisoning. This is a type of elemental metal found in the Earth’s crust that is toxic to humans. In most cases, people develop this condition due to eating too much seafood that contains this metal. Immediately contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 if you were exposed to this toxic metal.
Moreover, mercury has a shiny silver appearance, and it is an element on the periodic table with the symbol Hg and the atomic number 80. That’s why it is sometimes called “liquid silver”. However, this metal has several uses because it is a conductor, which means it allows electricity and heat to flow through it. Therefore, you may find mercury in thermometers, street lights, and fluorescent lightbulbs.
In general, mercury poisoning rarely occurs in the U.S., but it is more common in other countries, especially among mining communities or near seaside towns where food is contaminated with mercury.
Types of Mercury
There are 3 types of mercury that are harmful to humans. For example:
- Elemental mercury (liquid mercury, quicksilver) – This type of mercury is often found in glass thermometers, electrical switches, dental fillings, and others.
- Inorganic mercury – This form is often found in batteries, some types of disinfectants, and chemistry laboratories.
- Organic mercury – This type of mercury is found in coal fumes, fish that ate methylmercury (a type of organic mercury), and older antiseptics (germ killers, such as red mercurochrome).
Symptoms
Usually, people experience different symptoms because they depend on the type of mercury, overall health, age, gender, and other factors. Check some symptoms below:
Elemental Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
Generally, this type of mercury is harmless if you touch or swallow it because it has a slippery texture that would not absorb into the skin or intestines. However, it becomes dangerous if you breathe it in and it enters the lungs. In most cases, it becomes airborne when you try to clean it with a vacuum. Check some symptoms noticed in people with elemental mercury poisoning:
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Inorganic Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
This type of mercury is poisonous when it is swallowed because it enters the body and travels through the bloodstream to different structures and organs in the body (such as the brain, kidneys, and others). Check some symptoms below:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Bloody stools or vomit
- Urine color changes
- A burning sensation in the stomach or throat
Organic Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of this type of mercury poisoning occur when you inhale it or touch it. In most cases, the symptoms do not occur right away, but appear over time due to continuous exposure to substances that contain it. Symptoms include:
- Numbness or dull pain in some parts of the body
- Tremors (uncontrollable shaking)
- Walking problems
- Vision changes (such as double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision)
- Memory loss (also known as amnesia)
- Seizures
Increased amounts of methylmercury during pregnancy may cause brain damage to the developing fetus. That’s why doctors recommend limiting the amount of fish you eat or removing it from your diet completely during pregnancy. In general, prolonged exposure to organic mercury is deadly. Use protective equipment to reduce your exposure to this type of mercury. These include a mask, gloves, and others.
Causes
This condition is caused by prolonged exposure to this metal. Check below some ways in which people get mercury in their bodies:
- Inhaling mercury vapors – Elemental mercury can become airborne and enter the lungs.
- Limit fish or seafood that naturally contain large amounts of organic mercury.
- Swallowing or touching liquid mercury
Complications and Prevention
People who are poisoned with mercury may also experience some complications, especially if they do not get treatment. Check some of them below:
- Vision problems (including blindness)
- Hearing impairment
- Speaking problems
- Tooth loss
- Chest pain
- Burning in the lungs
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Pregnancy complications (such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and others)
- Dermatitis
- Lack of coordination or muscle weakness
- Cognitive impairment
- Insomnia (sleep disturbances)
- Irritability
This document does not contain all possible complications of this condition, but you can consult with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
In addition, there are some ways that often help reduce the risk or even prevent mercury poisoning. These include:
- Limiting the amount of fish contaminated with mercury you are eating
- Do not consume fish if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Wear protective equipment if you are handling chemicals and compounds
- Avoid areas where mercury is present
- Replace old amalgam fillings in the teeth with an alternative that does not contain mercury
It is also important to avoid vacuuming the area where mercury spills because it becomes airborne and may enter your lungs. Instead, contact your local or state health department or environmental protection agency to properly clean spilled mercury.
Diagnosis
In most cases, mercury poisoning is diagnosed in an emergency room (ER) after exposure and already experiencing severe symptoms. Doctors may also ask some questions about your symptoms and if you have been exposed to any chemicals or compounds. However, to confirm or exclude mercury poisoning, they often perform the following tests. Examples include:
- Chest X-ray
- Urinalysis (24-hour urine collection)
- Bloodwork (including a complete blood count and a metabolic panel)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This is a quick and painless test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart muscle.
Treatment
Usually, this condition is treated in the ER, and doctors will start to decontaminate (remove dangerous substances) from your skin and clothing and prevent future exposure. Treatment is often based on the type of mercury you were exposed to. Check some treatment options below:
- Oxygen through a face mask
- Dialysis
- Chelation therapy (removing metals from the body) via fluid through an IV
- Medicines to relieve symptoms
- Surgery to remove mercury
Usually, people need chelation therapy for weeks or even months to completely remove mercury from their bodies. Sometimes, damage caused by mercury may cause symptoms for long periods even after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does mercury poisoning affect my body?
People often experience symptoms when eating, touching, or inhaling mercury. Once it enters the body, it goes to the heart muscle, the central nervous system, and the kidneys. The symptoms occur because the body understands that there is a foreign substance inside. Thus, the immune system is trying to get the compound out in the same way it does with bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can make you ill.
Who does mercury poisoning affect?
While this condition can affect anyone who is exposed to mercury, people who eat lots of seafood and contaminated fish are more prone to mercury poisoning. Exposure to this metal is very dangerous for pregnant women and the developing fetus.
What is mercury poisoning?
Generally, mercury is a toxic metal that causes damage to the body’s structures and organs. This condition occurs when you are exposed to mercury for long periods. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
