Mercury Poisoning

Mercury Poisoning is toxicity due to mercury exposure affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.

Forms of Mercury

• Elemental Mercury (Hg⁰): Found in thermometers, dental amalgams. Vapor is most toxic.
• Inorganic Mercury (Hg²⁺ salts): e.g., mercury chloride.
• Organic Mercury (Methylmercury): From industrial pollution; bioaccumulates in large fish.

Clinical Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

1. Acute Inhalation (Elemental Mercury Vapor):

   • Pneumonitis, cough, chest tightness, dyspnea, CNS symptoms.

2. Chronic Exposure (Inorganic Mercury):

   • Tremors (“mercurial tremors”), gingivitis.
   • Erethism (triad: irritability, excitability, memory loss).

3. Methylmercury Poisoning:

   • Neurotoxicity: ataxia, sensory deficits, dysarthria.
   • Especially dangerous to fetal brain development.

Management of Mercury Poisoning

1. Remove source of exposure.
2. Chelation Therapy:
   • Dimercaprol (BAL) or D-Penicillamine for inorganic mercury.
   • Succimer (DMSA) – preferred in milder cases, especially children.
   • DMPS (Sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate) – another chelating agent.
3. Supportive Care:
   • Respiratory support for inhalation cases.
   • Hydration and management of neurological symptoms.

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