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Mercury
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of mercury.

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • mercury
Where Found:
  • glass thermometers
  • some fireworks
  • some paints
  • some antiseptics
  • some fungicides

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:

Elemental mercury, like the type found in glass thermometers, is a liquid at room temperature, and it is possible to inhale or ingest vapors which come from the liquid mercury.

Mercury in most forms can be highly toxic, and you should avoid ingesting, inhaling, or touching mercury with your skin. You may wash exposed skin with soap and water. In the case of exposure, call Poison Control for guidance. Proper cleanup of mercury is essential to prevent further exposure.

If instructed to induce vomiting (emesis), proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

  • Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult.
  • Follow with 1/2 glassful or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8-12 oz. of water for adults.
  • Repeat one more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.
Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • The use of gastric lavage.
  • Induction of emesis.
  • Administration of activated charcoal.
  • Administration of a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).
  • Use of an IV or oral antidote.
  • Other symptomatic treatment.
Expectations (prognosis):

Severity of symptoms and long-term effects are dependent on the amount of exposure and the time to treatment. It is important to be evaluated by a physician for any suspected mercury exposure. Mercury causes neurologic effects, including irritability, developmental delay, or psychosis. For mercury chloride and some of the other salt forms, deaths have occurred.

Any closure of the throat or extreme difficulty breathing is an emergency situation.
Review Date: 2/4/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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