Mercury poisoning

poisoning caused by mercury chemicals

Mercury poisoning is a health disturbance caused by high levels of exposure to mercury.

Mercury poisoning
Other namesMercury toxicity, mercury overdose, mercury intoxication, hydrargyria, mercurialism
The bulb of a mercury-in-glass thermometer
Medical specialtyToxicology
SymptomsMuscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet[1]
ComplicationsKidney problems, decreased intelligence[2]
CausesExposure to mercury[1]
Risk factorsConsumption of fish, which may contain mercury[3]
Diagnostic methodDifficult[3]
PreventionDecreasing use of mercury, low mercury diet[4]
MedicationAcute poisoning: dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS)[5]

Symptoms of mercury poisoning include pink colour in the cheeks, fingertips, and toes, swelling, unexplainable sweating, lots of saliva, fast heartbeat (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension) and hair loss for some people. Mercury exposure happens most often through eating certain types of fish or via other ways.

References

change
  1. 1.0 1.1 Cite error: The named reference NIH2016 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  2. Cite error: The named reference Bos2010 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  3. 3.0 3.1 Cite error: The named reference Ber2012 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  4. Cite error: The named reference WHO2016 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  5. Cite error: The named reference Kos2013 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).