Mercury occupational poisoning

Authors

  • Augusto V Ramírez American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v69i1.1184

Keywords:

Mercury poisoning, toxicology, occupational exposure

Abstract

Mercury, heavy metal widely used, is very toxic and produces protoplasmic damage to central nervous system, disturbances of behaviour and renal injuries. Mercury is accumulated in all living beings and is not essential for any biological process. Mercury toxicity is directly related to its chemical state. Metil-mercury is the most harmful form with neurotoxic effects in adults and foetuses of exposed mothers. Metallic mercury is not less toxic. Inorganic mercury salts affect mainly the kidney. In occupational exposure to mercury, we can find the classic triad: tremor, personality alterations and stomatitis. In the last years alteration in the chromatic vision has also been demonstrated. We use mercury blood measurement to evaluate acute mercury exposure. Occupational exposure is better determined by measuring composite 24 hours urine. Chelating agents -BAL or D penicillamine- are used to treat both acute and occupational poisoning.

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Published

2008-03-17

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 1 (2008)

Section

Temas de revisión

License

Copyright (c) 2008 Augusto V Ramírez

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How to Cite

1.
Ramírez AV. Mercury occupational poisoning. An Fac med [Internet]. 2008 Mar. 17 [cited 2024 Jul. 17];69(1):46-51. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/1184