Mercury - an element of mystery

Article Abstract:

In the October 18, 1990 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a single index case of mercury poisoning in a child led to detection of a large group of individuals who had been exposed to high levels of mercury from latex house paint. Mercury poisoning is unusual in that in a group of people exposed to similar levels, only a few develop the syndrome known as acrodynia. Thus, it is usually the case that symptoms occurring in a single or few individuals indicate that a much larger level of exposure has occurred. For example three cases detected in Argentina in 1980 led public health officials to determine that 12,000 infants had been exposed. The question of why only few children are affected by exposure remains unknown. It is also unclear why only children are affected by this form of mercury poisoning. Children can be exposed to mercury by something as simple as a broken thermometer, or from playing with the attractive liquid metal. Exposure can be from mercury vapor, phenylmercuric compounds, and mercuric salts. Recently there has been concern that amalgam tooth fillings are another important source of mercury vapor, perhaps the chief source of exposure in the United States. Autopsy analysis of brain tissue of individuals with amalgam fillings indicate an average level of mercury that is approximately twice that in individuals who do not have such fillings. However, no health effects have been identified as a result of amalgam fillings. In recent years it has become a practice to fill children's teeth with amalgam at a much earlier age than was once considered prudent, leading to concern that individuals with such increased exposure may become develop symptoms. It should be borne in mind that violations of environmental regulation continue, and that exposure may occur in sometimes unusual ways. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Public health, editorial

---

Mercury exposure from interior latex paint

Article Abstract:

Individuals can be exposed to three forms of mercury: organic or methyl mercury, which is present in food, especially seafood; inorganic mercury, which also may appear in small amounts in some foods; and elemental mercury vapor, which is absorbed from cigarette smoking and from dental fillings. Mercury can form many compounds that are poisonous. A recent finding of a four-year-old boy in Michigan with a form of mercury poisoning, acrodynia, led to the discovery of 19 families that had been exposed to extensive mercury contamination. The boy experienced leg cramps, rash accompanied by itching, sweating, increased heart rate, low-grade fever, personality changes, redness and scaling of his hands feet and nose, weakness and other expressions of neurologic dysfunction 10 days after his home was painted. An examination of the residual level of mercury vapor within the home and inspection of remaining paint indicated that the contamination occurred as the result of latex paint which contained 2.5 times acceptable levels. Mercury is added to latex points because of its fungicidal and bactericidal effects, which lead to longer shelf life. Currently about one third of all latex house paint contains mercury. The study extended from the first case to other families who had recently used the same brand of paint, manufactured by the Mercury Paint Company. Levels of urinary mercury in exposed individuals were similar to those typically found in individuals with mercury exposure symptoms. Young children, who are shorter than adults, are at particularly high risk, since mercury vapors, being heavier than air, collect closer to the ground. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Production management, Latex paint, Latex paints, Mercury Paint Company Inc.

---

The toxicology of mercury -- current exposures and clinical manifestations

Article Abstract:

The adverse effects of various mercury compounds on health is reviewed. Topics include mercury vapor from dental fillings and quicksilver in the home, methyl mercury, and thimerosal in vaccines. Exposure to methyl mercury usually occurs via fish consumption.

Complications and side effects, Mercury compounds

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Management of severe postpartum hemorrhage by intrauterine irrigation with prostaglandin E2. Evaluation of nitric oxide as a mediator of severe preeclampsia
• Abstracts: Evaluation of obstetric ultrasonography at the first prenatal visit
• Abstracts: Hyperkalemia: a prognostic factor during acute severe hypothermia. Some people are dead when they're cold and dead
• Abstracts: Hemoglobin A(1c) - infatuation or the real thing? Long-term complications of diabetes mellitus

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.