Introduction
This note covers mercurialism, poisoning by non-organic mercury compounds: elemental (metallic) mercury vapour and inorganic mercury salts. It covers sources and risk industries, how mercury acts in the body, acute and chronic clinical pictures, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and medical expertise with prevention. Organic mercury compounds, such as methylmercury, have different toxicity and are not the focus here.
Etiology and sources
The two main occupational forms differ in route of entry and in the damage they cause. Exposure is mainly chronic and low-level, with occasional acute accidents from spills or heating of mercury.
- Risk industries and occupations:
- Chlor-alkali production (mercury cell processes)
- Manufacture of thermometers, barometers, manometers, electrical switches and rectifiers, fluorescent lamps, and other instruments
- Jewellery, gilding and amalgam work, and electroplating
- Fur and leather tanning and felt hat production, where mercury salts were used in the past
- Gold mining with amalgamation, and pesticide or pharmaceutical production
- Dental work with amalgam, a minor but real source of exposure for staff