Mercury Poisoning poisoning remains an infrequently considered clinical syndrome despite the fact that mercury is the second most common cause of heavy metal poisoning. mercury and its derivatives have been used as cathartics,  antiparasitics,  antisyphilitics, antipruritics,  antiseptics, antiphlogistics, diuretics, vermifuges, dental amalgams, and alteratives.  They have also been applied as several other medical, cultural, and  folk  remedies. The medicinal uses of mercury have fallen out of favour,it is remarkable that this high level of industrial use of mercury has persisted despite the fact that the toxicity of mercury has long been recognized.

Elemental Mercury:

Toxicity from elemental mercury most commonly arises from inhalation of mercury vapors in occupational settings but can also follow residential and cultural exposure. Mercury prolongs the shelf life of paint, and although the use of mercury in latex paints was banned for protection from harm and as a catalyst for the procurement of good health, wealth, happiness, and successful interpersonal relationships. Pediatricians should remember that children are at the highest risk for the adverse consequences of elemental mercury poisoning. In comparison to adults, children often attain much higher body concentrations of elemental mercury for the same exposure. In addition, children have higher minute volume respiration per unit of weight and therefore inhale more air, pound for pound, than adults. Children are also at risk because they are often fascinated by the sight of spilled elemental mercury.

Inorganic Mercury:

Mercuric salts are still found in topical medicines such as antiseptic face Creams and bleaching creams. Poisoning from skin absorption of inorganic mercuric salts has been recognized. Mercury toxicity is due to the use of an acid solution of mercuric nitrate during the process of felting the hairs from the furs of muskrats, beavers, rabbits, and other animals.

Organic Mercury:

Organic mercury primarily consists of methylmercury and phenyl mercury. Acute intoxication by methylmercury involves the central nervous system and is one of the most disastrous forms of mercury poisoning.

Treatment:

Patients with pneumonitis from acute elemental mercury poisoning, may require supplemental oxygen, close monitoring of respiratory function, and assisted ventila- tion for the management of respiratory failure.

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Toxicology: Open Access