Slow mercury poisoning symptoms. Symptoms of acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer. Specific effects of mercury vapor on the human body

Update: October 2018

Mercury poisoning is one of the serious intoxications of the human body, which leaves a number of negative health consequences. This state Adults and children are afraid, especially panicking when household mercury thermometers break. In this article we will look at the symptoms of chronic and acute mercury poisoning and under what circumstances it can actually occur.

Characteristics of mercury

Mercury is a substance of the first class of danger. It is a transition metal, which is a silvery-white liquid with a heavy mass, the vapors of which are very toxic (at the usual temperature of living quarters).

Metallic mercury as such does not provide toxic effects on the body. But vapors and soluble (especially organic) mercury compounds are very toxic - they are classified as cumulative poisons.

Even in small quantities, mercury can cause significant health problems. Has a toxic effect on the digestive, nervous and immune system, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin and eyes. Therefore, in case of mercury poisoning, symptoms are associated with dysfunction of these systems and organs of the body.

Despite this, mercury is widely used in manufacturing and industry. The most famous mercury object is a thermometer with a “silver” center, which many people use to measure body temperature.

Poisonings that occur as a result of breaking household mercury thermometers are extremely rare and can occur in families that completely neglect safety rules or often break thermometers without further demercurization. If mercury poisoning occurs from a thermometer, the symptoms will most likely be chronic.

Acute mercury poisoning is possible when a large number of fluorescent lamps are accidentally broken (see).

Where can a person encounter mercury in everyday life?

Despite this danger of the metal, it is not so easy to come across mercury, especially in such quantities as to cause serious pathologies.

Thus, in order to be poisoned by mercury, you still need to look for it! This is what some inquisitive people do, bringing home or into the garage unknown devices or devices that can be a source of dangerous mercury vapor.

Sometimes, extremely rarely, chronic mercury poisoning is found in people who once upon a time bought a secondary home, in the cracks of the floors and walls of which there was mercury that inexplicably got there.

In all this, you should be especially vigilant - if a “domestic disaster” has already occurred - a thermometer or a mercury lamp has broken (see. detailed instructions— ), you should follow a number of simple steps that will protect you, your loved ones and pets from mercury poisoning.

Specific effect of mercury vapor on the human body

Inhalation of air with mercury vapor at a concentration of up to 0.25 mg/m³ leads to the accumulation of the metal in the lung tissue. With more high level mercury can be absorbed through intact skin. Depending on the duration of mercury ingestion into the body and the amount of metal ingested, acute and chronic poisoning occurs. Micromercurialism is included in a separate category.

Symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning

Acute poisoning

The first manifestations are observed a couple of hours after direct poisoning:

• general weakness;
• headache;
• lack of appetite;
• pain when trying to swallow something;
• metallic taste;
• salivation;
• bleeding and swelling of the gums;
• nausea;
• vomit.

A little later there are:

• Very severe pain in the abdomen, mucous and bloody diarrhea,
• cough and shortness of breath - inflammation of the lung tissue, catarrh of the respiratory tract, chest pain, severe chills are added
• characteristic rise in body temperature to 38-40 °C.
• When examined, mercury is detected in the urine.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning are the same in adults and children. Only in a child the symptoms develop faster, clinical picture brighter, and help is needed immediately!

Chronic poisoning

Mercurialism is general poisoning due to chronic exposure to mercury vapors and compounds, much exceeding the standards, for 2-5 months or years. Manifestations depend on the state of the body and nervous system:

• increased fatigue;
• causeless drowsiness;
• general weakness;
• dizziness;
• migraine;
• emotional disorders: self-doubt, shyness, depression, irritability.

There is a loss of self-control and weakening of memory, decreased attention. Gradually, a bright characteristic symptom develops - “mercury tremor” of the fingers and toes, lips, eyelids, which occurs with excitement. There is a urge to defecate and urinate, a decrease in the sense of smell, tactile sensitivity, taste, and increased sweating. Significantly increases thyroid, failures are noted heart rate, pressure drop.

Micromercurialism- chronic poisoning with the symptoms described above, which occurs when constant action small amounts of mercury for many (5-10 or more) years.

Consequences of mercury poisoning

• With absence timely assistance Acute mercury poisoning can result in death.
• People with chronic mercury intoxication They cannot lead their usual way of life and become psychologically disabled.
• Mercury poses a particular danger to pregnant women, since there is a high risk of developing intrauterine pathology.

Is it possible to detect excess mercury vapor concentrations indoors?

Of course, after any situation that carries the risk of exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of mercury in the air, an accredited laboratory should be invited and measurements should be taken (the standard is no more than 0.0003 mg/m³).

There are also household tests that help to roughly assess the concentration of mercury in indoor air (paper impregnated with selenium sulfide or copper monodide), which allows you to find out after 8-10 hours of observation whether the MPC is exceeded. They can be purchased in the post-Soviet countries at an estimated cost of about 150 rubles.

Treatment

Acute poisoning is treated only in hospitals, comprehensively and differentiated, taking into account the lesions. Chronic mercury poisoning can be treated in a hospital; it requires sanatorium treatment and transfer to another job. Specific drugs are used for treatment: Unithiol, Methionine, Taurine, Dimercaptosuccinic acid, etc.

Prevention

• If a thermometer or fluorescent lamp is accidentally broken, carry out the entire complex necessary measures to eliminate the accident.
• People employed in professions that involve contact with mercury are advised to rinse their mouths with a solution of potassium permanganate or potassium chlorate during their shift and after work.
• In case of poisoning with mercury salts, the adsorbent is raw egg white– several proteins should be taken orally.

Mercury is dangerous Chemical substance, which when entering the human body leads not only to deterioration of health, but in some cases to death. Mercury can enter the human body in different ways, so you need to know what symptoms indicate mercury poisoning, and how to provide first aid to the victim, and how to protect yourself from the phenomenon in question.

We all know very well that fragile things in the house sometimes break and break. A mercury thermometer is a rather fragile device; it is quite easy to break it. At the same time, you still need to properly collect the toxic metal.

How does mercury enter the body?

There are three options for entering the human body:

1. Through the skin. Metal vapors penetrate through the pores, thereby affecting all organs. In cases of mercury poisoning from a thermometer, symptoms develop rather slowly.
2. Mercury poisoning through the mucous membrane. The situation is somewhat more dangerous than the one described above. With such a hit, the liver suffers the most, as it experiences the full force of the toxin. The consequences in this case can be different, including liver failure.
3. Mercury vapor poisoning. The most severe situation, the consequences of mercury poisoning, is coma. This is due to the fact that the liver will not participate in neutralizing the toxin.

What is mercury poisoning?

Mercury poisoning - pathological condition the body, caused by excessive intake of mercury vapors or compounds.

Any concentration of mercury vapor in the air is considered hazardous to health, however, from 0.25 mg/m³ symptoms of problems mainly with the respiratory system develop; at higher concentrations, this chemical begins to affect almost all organs and systems. It has also been established that an increased concentration of mercury in the body is considered to be more than 35 ng/ml in the blood and more than 150 μg/l in the urine.

The main symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning are inflammation of the respiratory tract, which can lead to respiratory failure, coughing attacks, loss of strength, and an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C. Doctors have found that women and children are more prone to mercury poisoning.

Development of mercury poisoning

The source of poisoning can be both inorganic (elemental mercury or mercury salts) and organic forms of mercury (methylated mercury). Elemental mercury is used in thermometers, sphygmomanometers, and filling materials. At room temperature and contact with oxygen, elemental mercury quickly oxidizes to its divalent form. Mercury salts are used in the production of plastics, in medicines (Calomel), and food products. Organic mercury is used in some paints, cosmetics, medicines, food products. Mercury salts can also be methylated by bacteria, poisoning the environment and living organisms, such as fish, with this metal. In the future, consuming such fish, a person becomes poisoned.

Elemental mercury usually settles in the body as part of vapor. The vapors, along with the air, enter and settle primarily in the lungs, after which, almost the entire composition, through the alveoli, the mercury enters circulatory system and along with the blood flow it spreads throughout the body. The absorption of elemental mercury by the digestive organs is small, and even in this case, quickly oxidizing into a divalent form, it quickly binds to the sulfhydryl groups of proteins. Elimination from the body occurs primarily through urine and feces, with a small percentage exiting back through the lungs. The half-life of elemental mercury from the body is about 60 days.

Inorganic compounds of mercury salts, entering the body orally, primarily harm organs gastrointestinal tract, corroding their mucous membrane, from where the absorption and spread of the poison throughout the body occurs. Mercury salts settle primarily in the kidneys, and less significant amount– in the liver, intestines, spleen, lungs, bone marrow, skin and blood. Excretion from the body occurs in urine and feces. The half-life is approximately 40 days.

Organic compounds(methylated) mercury that enters the body orally is usually easily absorbed from the intestines and through the skin. Possessing a high coefficient of fat solubility, methylated mercury can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and even enter breast milk. By binding to hemoglobin, the poison easily spreads throughout the body. The main deposition occurs in the kidneys, circulatory system and central nervous system. Excretion from the body occurs through urine. The half-life is about 70 days.

Description of mercury poisoning

Mercury is a heavy metal whose salts and oxides are widely used in industry. Mercury compounds are included in disinfectants, some types of paints, medicines for outdoor use. In everyday life it can be found in thermometers and energy-saving lamps. If the integrity of such a lamp or mercury thermometer is broken and the metal leaks out, poisoning of those present in the room may occur.

Any mercury compounds are toxic. Moreover, salts are more toxic than mercury oxides. Organic compounds of this metal are the most common, and they are potentially dangerous. When flowing out of a sealed container, the metal quickly evaporates at room temperature and, under the influence of oxygen, is oxidized to divalent mercury. It has a toxic effect after inhaling its vapors. Elemental mercury is absorbed primarily as vapor in the lungs. From there, 80 to 100% of the inhaled metal enters the blood through the pulmonary alveoli. Absorption of the substance in the digestive tract is usually insignificant.

The volatility of elemental mercury that entered digestive tract, is reduced by oxidation of its surface to mercury sulfide. The latter prevents the formation of vapors from the remaining part of the substance. The absorbed metal in the vapor state is fat-soluble. It easily passes through the blood-brain barrier and placenta, but quickly oxidizes to a substance that is divalent mercury. It easily binds to sulfhydryl protein groups, which have low mobility.

Therefore, a single concentrated exposure contributes to the accumulation of a larger volume of mercury in the brain than chronic oral exposure to the metal. The period of elimination of elemental mercury from the body is approximately 60 days.

Inorganic mercury compounds are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and through the epidermis. Getting into digestive organs, mercury salts corrode the mucous membrane, and absorption increases. At intravenous administration No more than 10% of the dose can be absorbed. Mercury salts accumulate primarily in the kidneys and also enter the liver, Bone marrow, spleen, lungs, intestines, affects red blood cells and skin. Excretion of mercury salts occurs with emptying. The withdrawal period is about 40 days.

Organic mercury compounds (methylated metal) are rapidly absorbed in the intestines and through the epidermis. Short chains of organic mercury penetrate the red blood cell membrane and bind to hemoglobin. The substance is fat-soluble and easily penetrates the placenta, the blood-brain barrier and into breast milk. This mercury is concentrated in the brain and kidneys. The removal of organic compounds from the body is quite complex and time-consuming. On average it lasts for 70 days.

Main causes of mercury poisoning

The cause of mercury poisoning can be the substance entering the body in different ways. You can get poisoned from several sources:

• Household. This group includes mercury thermometers, blood pressure monitors and energy-saving lamps. All of these devices contain little metal, but it is enough to cause intoxication if mercury leaks from the broken device and is not disposed of in a timely manner.
• Medical. Mercury is still widely used in medicine. Previously, medicines such as calomel were made on its basis. It is now used in the production of some vaccines, dental fillings with amalgam, various medications for external use.
• Food. Marine inhabitants that live in polluted water - shellfish and fish - accumulate mercury compounds in large quantities. Even after heat treatment Eating them may result in poisoning.

Mercury is also used in various industries and agriculture. Therefore, the cause of mercury vapor poisoning can be non-compliance with safety regulations when working with mercury-containing devices and substances, as well as industrial accidents.

Signs of acute mercury poisoning

Both mercury vapor and organic and inorganic compounds can cause acute poisoning. Metal vapor poisoning is the most common. In this case, various body systems are affected:

1. Respiratory organs. Their inflammation develops, interstitial pneumonia which leads to respiratory failure. At severe poisoning in pairs, hemoptysis and pulmonary edema may occur.
2. central nervous system. Mercury vapor causes increased excitability, tremor. Trembling can affect not only the fingers, but also the tongue, limbs, and the whole body. Asthenic syndrome also develops - weakness, headache, drowsiness, memory impairment. The patient's temperature rises and may drop arterial pressure, the process of sweating intensifies. With severe intoxication, lethargy with loss of consciousness and coma may develop.
3. Digestive system. A metallic taste appears in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea develop. The mucous membranes are affected: gingivitis and stomatitis form, the gums bleed, and salivation increases. Ulcers may appear in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, which can also bleed. Characteristic symptoms Poisoning with mercury and its vapors in acute form results in severe redness of the gums and the appearance of a dark coating on them.

In acute poisoning with inorganic mercury compounds (salts), the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is corroded. This is accompanied by nausea, vomiting (often bloody), abdominal pain, tenesmus, and bloody stools. Necrosis of the intestinal mucosa rapidly develops. Acute loss of fluid in severe poisoning causes the development of shock and leads to death. In addition, the kidneys are also affected by mercury salts. Acute necrosis develops.

In acute poisoning with organic mercury compounds, symptoms appear similar to chronic intoxication. It is worth noting that such poisoning is especially dangerous during pregnancy, since methylated mercury freely penetrates the placenta.

Prenatal poisoning provokes the development cerebral palsy, since the cerebral cortex and cerebellum atrophy. Postnatal poisoning causes headaches, paresthesia, visual impairment, hearing, speech, neurasthenia, spasticity, paralysis, stupor, coma.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning

1. Spicy. Usually occurs by direct inhalation.
2. Subacute. Chronic mercury poisoning. Relatively little of it entered the body a large number of metal, but lingers for a long period.
3. Acute course– is a fairly rare phenomenon and occurs only during industrial accidents. In the case of a broken thermometer, the poisoning takes on a chronic form, that is, the symptoms develop slowly and gradually.

Nevertheless, there are a number of generalized signs of intoxication:

1. Asthenic syndrome and mercury tremor. The first is increased fatigue, migraines, deterioration of memory and perception of the surrounding world. The second is constant trembling in the joints, tongue and the development of seizures. In addition, body temperature rises and blood pressure decreases.
2. Damage digestive system. Nausea, diarrhea and a metallic taste in the mouth occur. Because of harmful effects on the mucous membrane, gingivitis and stomatitis begin to develop. Such diseases are characterized by severe pain and bleeding from the gums. Next, ulcers develop in the digestive system, which cause abdominal pain. The main symptoms will be: the gums have acquired a bright red color, and then dark coating, which is hard to miss.
3. Respiratory system. It is possible to develop acute bronchitis or pneumonia of a specific type (that is, non-infectious). If Airways were severely damaged, then hemoptysis develops, and then pulmonary edema.
4. Liver and kidneys. The metal is characterized by the fact that it can accumulate in these organs. With prolonged exposure to metal, failure of both organs begins to develop. In advanced cases, deficiency can become acute. And this is a direct threat to life, since treatment must be carried out as quickly as possible.

The consequences of poisoning are quite severe, and if left untreated, they can be fatal. But here it is important to understand: the signs of mercury poisoning from a thermometer are always individual and directly depend on the person.

General mercury poisoning with chronic exposure to the body over several months or even years is called mercurialism. Symptoms appear depending on the state of the person’s nervous system, his general health. This metal can accumulate in parenchymal organs - kidneys and liver. Therefore, with prolonged exposure to poison in small quantities, kidney and liver failure develops.

Mercury vapor also actively affects the central nervous system. This is manifested in the appearance of the following symptoms: fatigue, general weakness, dizziness, headaches, emotional instability (self-doubt, depression, irritability, shyness, timidity, and so on).

This neurological picture was characteristic of workers who made felt hats in past centuries. Mercury was used to make the material. Therefore, such masters developed signs chronic poisoning mercury vapor and metal salts. This is how the expression “mad hatter” came about.

The consequence of mercury poisoning over a long period of time is trembling of the limbs, the so-called “mercury tremor”. This later manifests itself in frequent urges to bowel movements, urination. A person's sense of smell, skin sensitivity, and taste decreases. Cardiac activity is also impaired and decreased blood pressure, the thyroid gland enlarges.

With prolonged exposure to the body of inorganic mercury compounds, the same neurological changes are characteristic; increased salivation, loss of teeth, stomatitis, gingivitis, generalized rash, hypertrichosis, profuse sweating, swelling of the feet and hands are also added.

How to remove mercury without consequences

When a thermometer breaks, a person is at first lost and does not know what to do. First of all, don't panic.

You should do the following:

• Drive everyone out of the room, while making sure that no one comes close to the place where the mercury has scattered, because it sticks very well to the soles of shoes.
• The door to the room must be closed, but the windows, on the contrary, must be opened, but so that there are no drafts.
• You need to put shoe covers on your feet, or, in extreme cases, plastic bags, rubber gloves on your hands, and cover your mouth and nose with a bandage.
• Using a sheet of paper, you need to very carefully collect the balls of the substance and pour them into a container with cool water. Small particles are collected with something sticky, for example, tape or adhesive tape.
• If mercury gets into hard to reach place, then you can use a bulb or syringes to collect it.
• If necessary, you need to disassemble the baseboards.
• Floors must be thoroughly washed with a solution of potassium permanganate or bleach. Rags and clothing that have been in contact with mercury should be placed in bags and destroyed.
• The container with the collected substance is given to the authorities that deal with this.

By following these rules, you can avoid mercury intoxication from a thermometer and its consequences.

Consequences of mercury poisoning from a thermometer. The consequences of mercury poisoning from a thermometer can be varied. With mild intoxication, recovery is quite quick and easy. In more serious cases, future problems with the nervous system, digestion, and kidneys are possible. Possible mental retardation. Mercury poisoning can lead to negative consequences, if the necessary measures are not taken in time.

How to prevent mercury poisoning from a thermometer?

Anyone can get mercury poisoning from a broken thermometer. But what to do in this case? How not to panic?

IN large group Children are at risk. Therefore, it is very important to explain to the child that he will not be scolded for breaking a thermometer, but it can be very dangerous to health, so you need to immediately tell adults about it. Many children, fearing that a broken thermometer will cause negative reaction parents are just trying to hide their tracks.

So, if you or your loved ones broke a thermometer, to prevent mercury poisoning from the thermometer, you need to do the following:

• remove all people and pets from the apartment to the street;
• call the rescue service;
• if it is not possible to call the Ministry of Emergency Situations, then you can collect the mercury yourself, but you must carefully observe safety precautions, namely, wear rubber gloves, shoe covers, and a protective mask.
• mercury forms balls that are not easy to collect; to make the process easier, it is better to use tape or roll them onto a sheet of paper;
• mercury must be placed in a glass jar;
• if mercury balls are found on carpeting, bedding and other fabrics, they must be placed in a bag and handed over to rescue service representatives to avoid mercury poisoning;
• after removing mercury from the room, you need to clean it;
• It is also worth inviting emergency workers to use special equipment to check whether the air contains mercury vapor.

And remember, even in the event of an unpleasant incident, you should remain calm. The main thing is to detect spilled mercury in a timely manner and contact specialists.

First aid and treatment for poisoning

If signs indicating mercury poisoning are detected, the following measures must be taken:

• If poisoning occurs in vapors, then the person must be removed from the room and provided with access to fresh air.
• In case of poisoning through swallowing, the nasal mucous membranes are washed, oral cavity, eye, skin. The fact is that mercury can penetrate the body even through the skin. Used for washing cool water or potassium permanganate solution.
• If necessary, perform resuscitation, for example, if breathing stops.

However, first of all, you need to call the doctors. Correctly provided first aid can save a person's life.

The following applies:

• Gastric lavage using a tube several times a day.
• An antidote is introduced. In this case it is Unithiol. On initial stage it is used intravenously.
• A variety of diuretics are used to more quickly remove poison from the body.
• If necessary, hemodialysis is performed. Read more:
• Drugs are prescribed to support the functionality of other organs.
• A certain vitamin therapy is used.

Prevention of mercury poisoning

Prevention of mercury poisoning includes following following measures security:

• If you work at a mercury plant, it is recommended to rinse your mouth daily with a solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) or potassium chlorate KClO3;
• If possible, when working with mercury, change jobs;
• Keep away from children mercury thermometer;
• Do not leave measuring a child's body temperature with a mercury thermometer unattended;
• Replace the mercury thermometer with analogues, for example, an electronic one;
• Avoid using mercury energy-saving lamps, for example, replace them with LED lamps, which are not only more economical, but also safer if they break/break;
• Leave the choice of medications to the discretion of doctors;
• Avoid eating sea shellfish, which primarily perform the role of purifying water from various debris, incl. heavy metals, if present.

In acute poisoning with metallic mercury vapor, symptoms (cough, chills, fever, shortness of breath) develop within a few hours.

Characteristics of mercury poisoning gastrointestinal disorders- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as a metallic taste in the mouth, dysphagia, increased salivation, weakness, and visual impairment. With radiography chest in the acute phase of poisoning, interstitial pneumonitis can be detected, as well as small focal atelectasis and pulmonary emphysema. Acute lung injury syndrome, respiratory failure, and death may occur.

In the acute phase, symptoms may also appear. acute poisoning mercury (tremor, renal failure, stomatitis). Aspiration of metallic mercury into the trachea and bronchi can cause massive bronchial hemorrhage, which can be fatal. Dental fillings containing mercury apparently cannot lead to clinically significant poisoning.

Occasionally, there are cases of chronic mercury poisoning as a result of deliberate subcutaneous or intravenous administration of metallic mercury.

Inorganic mercury salts

Ingestion of mercury salts causes severe irritation. First, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur in the mouth and throat; then abdominal pain develops, blood appears in vomiting and stool. Lethal dose mercuric chloride is 30-50 mg/kg. The kidneys are affected; Possible end-stage renal failure.

Subacute or chronic mercury poisoning is possible not only when inorganic mercury salts enter the gastrointestinal tract or on the skin, but also from inhalation, aspiration or injection of metallic mercury, as well as when its organic derivatives (aromatic or long-chain alkyl) enter the gastrointestinal tract: slow oxidation metallic mercury in vivo and the cleavage of the bond between carbon and metal in organic derivatives leads to the appearance of mono- and divalent element ions.

Subacute and chronic mercury poisoning is characterized by gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders and kidney damage. A metallic taste and burning sensation in the mouth, tooth loss, stomatitis, increased salivation and nausea are observed.

The main neurological disorders in mercury poisoning are tremor and erethism. Neurasthenia is a symptom complex that includes fatigue, depression, headache, increased sensitivity to external stimuli, psychosomatic complaints, weakness and decreased ability to concentrate. Symptoms and treatment of neurasthenia http://xn——7kcbahoka2abeuf0b4a5ahy6g.xn--p1ai/nevrasteniya-simptomy-i-lechenie for mercury poisoning are basically the same as for other causes.

Mercury erethism (the word “erethism” comes from a Greek root meaning “red”) is characterized by the patient being pathologically shy and prone to blushing easily. Other symptoms of mercury poisoning include anxiety, emotional instability, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss and confusion. Tremor caused by mercury has been described many times - intention tremor, which disappears during sleep. In the most severe cases choreoathetosis and ballism are possible. Other neurological disorders include sensorimotor neuropathy, ataxia, concentric narrowing of visual fields (tubular vision), and anosmia.

Kidney damage due to mercury poisoning can manifest itself in different ways, from asymptomatic reversible to nephrotic syndrome with and hypoproteinemia. The cause of acrodynia (redness, swelling and keratinization of the palms, soles of the feet and face, as well as a pink papular rash that is described as morbilliform, urticarial, vesicular and hemorrhagic) is apparently idiosyncrasy to mercury ions. Acrodynia is also characterized by increased sweating, tachycardia, irritability, loss of appetite, photophobia, insomnia, tremor, paresthesia, decreased tendon reflexes and weakness. Peeling and formation of ulcers are possible on the hands and feet.

Maximum permissible daily dose Methylmercury ranges from 0.1 µg mercury/kg to 0.47 µg mercury/kg (according to WHO).

Unlike inorganic compounds, methylmercury causes mainly neurological disorders, with the exception of the mildest cases - irreversible. IN acute period Gastrointestinal disturbances, tremor, respiratory disorders and dermatitis.

As a rule, symptoms of mercury poisoning in this case do not develop immediately, but after several weeks or months. In Minamata, the hardest hit were children born to mothers exposed to methylmercury during pregnancy. In mothers themselves, symptoms were often minor or absent, while newborns had low birth weight, reduced muscle tone, severe developmental delay, deafness, blindness and severe spasticity. After eating methylmercury-contaminated grain, paresthesia of the lips, nose, and distal extremities developed within a few weeks, as well as headache, fatigue, and tremor. In more severe cases, ataxia, dysarthria, narrowing of visual fields and blindness have been observed.

Just how toxic dimethylmercury is is illustrated by an incident where a female chemist accidentally spilled it on her gloved hands; the result was late neurological complications (progressive disturbances of speech, vision and gait) followed by death.

Diagnosis of mercury poisoning

The definitive proof of mercury poisoning is its detection in the blood, urine or body tissue. The blood is collected into a special micronutrient test tube obtained from the laboratory that performs the analysis. 24-hour urine is collected in an acid-treated container, also obtained from the laboratory. If mercury is determined in a single portion of urine, the result is adjusted taking into account the concentration of creatinine.

The values ​​of mercury concentration in the body normally, with asymptomatic contact with it and with pronounced symptoms of poisoning overlap. The level is considered to be less than 10 µg/l in whole blood and 20 µg/l in urine reflects its intake from environment, not threatening poisoning. After prolonged inhalation of vapors general symptoms poisoning can develop already at a concentration of 35 mcg/l in the blood and 150 mcg/l in the urine. Organic mercury compounds are excreted in feces, so in case of methylmercury poisoning there is no point in measuring mercury levels in urine. To estimate total mercury levels in the body, mercury concentrations are sometimes measured in the hair, where it accumulates. However, since the presence of mercury in the hair indicates any contact with it in the past, and the hair actively absorbs this metal from the environment, the method is not very reliable and is not recommended.

Treatment of mercury poisoning

First aid for mercury poisoning

After assessing and stabilizing the victim’s condition, contact with mercury vapor is eliminated, the toxic substance is washed off from the skin, mercury is removed from the gastrointestinal tract, maintenance therapy begins (administration of large amounts of fluid, supply of humidified oxygen), necessary research(clinical blood test, determination of electrolyte levels in plasma, study of arterial blood gases, radiography, ECG) and determine the level of mercury in the blood and urine, find out whether other toxic substances have entered the gastrointestinal tract, and conduct constant monitoring of the victim.

Metallic mercury

Inhalation of vapors or aspiration of metallic mercury can cause life-threatening respiratory failure. In this case, first of all, you need to stabilize breathing and blood circulation. To remove poison from the respiratory tract, postural and tracheal suction are performed. Mercury administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly can be removed surgically if its location is clearly defined.

Inorganic mercury salts

If inorganic salts enter the gastrointestinal tract, shock is possible as a consequence of severe gastroenteritis and the release of fluid into the third space. Start immediately infusion therapy. Removing salts from the gastrointestinal tract can be dangerous - they are caustic substances and can cause perforation. But in the absence of symptoms indicating deep damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, the mercury is first removed, and then an endoscopic examination is performed. Gastric lavage is rarely required due to profuse vomiting. Purpose shown activated carbon, which connects well inorganic salts(1 g of charcoal binds 800 mg of mercuric in vitro). To remove residual mercury from the gastrointestinal tract, wash the intestines with a solution of polyethylene glycol, periodically x-rays abdominal cavity.

Organic mercury derivatives

Poisoning with organic derivatives, as a rule, is chronic or subacute and is caused by the consumption of food products containing them. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the toxic substance from the gastrointestinal tract.

Complexing agents

Hemodialysis does not remove mercury, however, it may be necessary: ​​in cases of sublimate poisoning, acute renal failure often develops. With early administration of complexing agents, it is possible to reduce systemic action poison or even avoid it. If the medical history indicates that a large amount of mercury has entered the body, and symptoms indicate poisoning, complexing agents are indicated, even if the laboratory has not yet confirmed the diagnosis. The value of a chelating agent test (comparing urinary mercury excretion before and after administration of a chelating agent to estimate body mercury levels) is questionable.

Metallic mercury and its inorganic compounds

In case of severe acute poisoning with mercury salts, dimercaprol is used. It is administered intramuscularly for 10 days, gradually reducing the dose: the first 48 hours - 5 mg/kg every 4 hours, the next 48 hours - 2.5 mg/kg every 6 hours, then for 7 days - 2.5 mg /kg every 12 hours. If the victim is able to take medicines orally, and the toxic substance is removed from the gastrointestinal tract, dimercaprol can be replaced with succimer - mg/kg orally 3 times/day for 5 days, then 2 times/day for 14 days.

Organic derivatives

Neurological complications caused by methylmercury and other organic derivatives are difficult to treat; There are no satisfactory treatment tactics. Dimercaprol should not be used: in animals it increases the flow of mercury into the brain. Succimer may be the drug of choice for methylmercury poisoning because it has low toxicity and is effective in animals, but further research is needed.

Mercury is an extremely dangerous chemical. It is metal in liquid form. Mercury poisoning can be fatal. It is important that everyone is aware of possible consequences contact with mercury.

Sources of mercury

There are several possible sources:

• Household. This category includes thermometers, tonometers (mercury ones are practically not used today) and lamps (energy-saving). They contain small doses of metal, but their volume may be enough to cause poisoning. Prolonged contact with mercury is especially dangerous (if the metal is not removed from the room in time).

• Medical. The point is that mercury has found wide application V medical practice. It is used to produce vaccines, fillings, and products for external use.
• Food. Similar sources of mercury include fish (sea) and shellfish. They live in a fairly dirty environment and accumulate in the body over time. heavy metals. Such products cannot become harmless even after intensive heat treatment.

Mercury is also used in various industries and economic activity. Poisoning often results from violation of safety rules when working with hazardous substances. Accidents at enterprises can also lead to metal contamination of the body.

How does mercury affect the body?

The human body suffers the most from mercury vapor. They are the ones that cause harm, while the ingress of liquid metal into the gastrointestinal tract is practically not dangerous. Mercury is not absorbed. However, if the metal enters the body in the form of salts or organic compounds, then poisoning acquires more pronounced symptoms.

Mercury salts are found in some medicines which are intended for outdoor use only. Organic compounds are found in paints and other similar mixtures. This is why it is so important to follow the instructions that come with the medicine, and various works carried out strictly observing safety precautions.

Once it enters the body, mercury spreads everywhere. The metal has a strong effect on the nervous system, excretory organs, vision, skin, digestive organs, and reduces protective functions.

Harmful dose of mercury

In most cases, contact with mercury occurs due to a broken thermometer. Many people fear metal poisoning in this way.

The thermometer contains approximately 2 grams of the substance. Only half of this, once in the body, causes fatal harm. However, it all depends on the age, gender, and body weight of the person exposed to mercury. The size of the room in which the metal leak occurred is also taken into account. All this directly affects the degree of poisoning. The risk of poisoning with liquid metal from a thermometer itself, if nothing is done, is almost inevitable, since the average dose for contamination with toxins is 0.4 mg. That is why, if a thermometer breaks, you need to remove everything correctly and quickly.

Symptoms of poisoning

Mercury poisoning can occur in severe forms, for example, by inhaling fumes, subacute and chronic, when there is little exposure but over a long period.

Acute form poisoning is rare. Usually, severe course occurs as a result of an accident at enterprises where mercury is used or in other similar situations. Patients are usually diagnosed with chronic metal poisoning obtained from a thermometer. Such symptoms do not develop immediately, but gradually.

Symptoms:

• The unequal system suffers. There is a development asthenic syndrome(weakness, pain, nervousness, drowsiness, memory problems). Mercury tremor of the hands, tongue, and less often the entire body also develops. Convulsions may occur. Temperature rises, pressure decreases, observed excessive sweating. The acute form is characterized by retardation of movements and loss of consciousness, falling into a coma.
• Mercury affects the digestive organs. The patient suffers from nausea and diarrhea. Patients often complain of a metallic taste. Mercury affects the mucous membranes, which leads to gingivitis and stomatitis. All this leads to severe salivation and bleeding in the mouth. Sometimes ulcers develop in the organs of the digestive system, and severe pain appears. After exposure to mercury from a thermometer, red gums are observed, after which a dark coating appears on them.

• Liquid metal affects the respiratory system. Poisoning leads to the development of an acute form of non-infectious bronchitis and pneumonia. With severe exposure to the respiratory tract, bleeding is observed. With a large dose of toxins, pulmonary edema is possible.

• With minor but long-term poisoning, mercury accumulates in the organs of the excretory system (liver, kidneys). That is why in chronic form symptoms of liver and kidney failure are observed. They are also characterized by slow development. The acute form of poisoning is life-threatening.

In each case, the signs will depend on different factors. The best confirmation of mercury vapor poisoning is a blood test for toxins.

Actions in case of poisoning

First, you should make sure that you are poisoned by mercury. Actions in case of intoxication:

1. In case of poisoning, you need to go to a fresh age and move as far away from the source of the vapor as possible.
2. It is important to rinse all mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose and skin that was not protected by clothing) as quickly as possible with tap water or a solution of potassium permanganate (if there are no disturbances in respiratory and cardiovascular functions). If a person has violations, it is necessary to eliminate all life-threatening issues. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed, bleeding is stopped, etc.
3. You need to do a gastric lavage with a special solution (mix potassium permanganate and water) with an enema (probe). This will help reduce the cauterizing effect that mercury has. Washing is repeated several times a day. After cleansing the stomach, the patient is prescribed a course of sorbents (used 4 times a day).

1. Introduction of the drug “Unitol” into the body (administered intravenously).

1. Next, a course of solution and drugs with a diuretic effect is prescribed to remove toxins from the blood. Unitol is also administered intramuscularly.
2. If auxiliary diseases are detected (ulcers, insufficiency and other consequences), treatment is carried out according to the symptoms.

The thermometer broke

What to do if the thermometer breaks? It is important to follow safety precautions to prevent accidents. Actions if the thermometer breaks:

1. Remove people (children, animals) from the premises.
2. Open all windows;
3. Protect yourself (you can use a gauze bandage and gloves at home);
4. Prepare everything for collecting mercury. You will need bags, a jar of water and a pipette, wire (a small piece) and adhesive tape.

1. Provide lighting so as not to miss more than one piece of mercury.
2. Place glass fragments in bags and close them.
3. Collect all remaining metal in a jar of water.
4. Place things that have been exposed to mercury in a separate bag.
5. Treat the place of contact with mercury (floor, wall) with potassium permanganate.
6. Package with broken thermometer and take the jar of mercury to the Ministry of Emergency Situations department.

It is prohibited to collect metal with a vacuum cleaner, hand or broom. Soiled items cannot be machine washed.

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There is a mercury thermometer in every home. It is considered the most accurate device for measuring human body temperature. However, it should be remembered that it contains such a dangerous metal as mercury. If the thermometer is not damaged, then mercury will not affect a person’s well-being, much less health. If the thermometer breaks, poisoning may occur.

How dangerous is the substance? What happens if you swallow mercury from a thermometer, what are they? How many grams of substance are contained in the thermometer and what to do if it breaks? You will learn about this and much more in this article.

What to do if the thermometer breaks?

If a thermometer breaks, then first of all you should not panic. It is necessary to collect mercury as soon as possible. However, it should be remembered that in this case it is necessary to follow certain rules and algorithms.

Rules of conduct in case of damage to the thermometer and the mercury contained in it leaking out:

How many grams of mercury are in a thermometer

Mercury in a thermometer is on the measuring scale. This is the same silvery liquid that rises and falls in a column. It is in a liquid state in the thermometer, but in the open air it quickly evaporates.

If a person breaks a thermometer, then he may have a question: how much mercury is in the thermometer? If we consider the weight of this dangerous metal, we can say that it is quite small. Namely from 2 to 3 grams (2000 – 3000 milligrams). This figure primarily depends on the manufacturer. It is very difficult to imagine 2 grams of liquid metal.

If we mean the number of mercury balls, then there is no clear answer. We can only say that it depends on the surface on which the thermometer crashed. If the surface is hard, there will be more balls, but they are small. If the surface is soft, then the drops are large, but their number is smaller.

Why is mercury from a thermometer dangerous for humans?

Mercury is a toxic substance that negatively affects all body systems. It should be remembered that the penetration of mercury (or rather its vapor) through the respiratory tract is most dangerous to human life and health. In this case, damage occurs primarily to the target organs: the brain and kidneys.

When vapors of this metal penetrate into the body, the functioning of the central nervous system is disrupted. The toxic substance settles on the kidneys and disrupts their functioning.

Organs respiratory system also susceptible negative impact mercury. Their mucous membranes become inflamed and damage may occur blood vessels(hemoptysis occurs). In severe cases, swelling of the lung tissue is observed.

Long term exposure of this substance there is a disturbance in the body metabolic processes, as well as the development of multiple chronic pathologies. the fact that it can accumulate in the body (it is extremely difficult to eliminate).

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The least dangerous is the penetration of mercury through the digestive tract. In this case, the substance is not absorbed; it is excreted in the feces.

Mercury has the most severe effect on weakened people:

• Children;
• Pregnant women;
• Aged people;
• Persons with chronic diseases.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning with a broken thermometer

Mercury and its vapor poisoning can be both acute and chronic. It should be noted that acute poisoning from a broken thermometer occurs extremely rarely. Signs of chronic mercury poisoning from a thermometer:

• Chronic fatigue, decreased performance;
• Chronic headaches. At the same time, they are dull and aching;
• Increased sleepiness, especially during the daytime;

• Trembling in the hands (hand tremor);
• The sense of smell and taste is significantly reduced;
• Apathy and indifference to the outside world (a consequence of chronic brain damage).

Signs of acute mercury poisoning from a thermometer:

• Severe headache, fatigue;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Cough and shortness of breath;
• Metallic taste in the mouth;
• Pulmonary edema, which is accompanied by the discharge of pink foam from the mouth;
• Loss of consciousness and death in severe cases.

First aid for poisoning and cleansing the body

In case of mercury vapor poisoning, it is necessary to call Ambulance, and before her arrival, provide first aid to the victim:

The patient is hospitalized to remove the poison from the body. The following treatment is carried out in the hospital:

• Introduction of antidote – Unithiol;
• Tube gastric lavage is performed repeatedly;
• Colon cleansing with an enema;
• Forced diuresis. A large amount of fluid is injected into the body orally and intravenously, and diuretics are prescribed;
• Application of adsorbents;
• Hemodialysis may be used;
• Prevention of complications from internal organs (urinary, cardiovascular, digestive system).

Consequences of poisoning

The consequences of intoxication with mercury and its vapors are quite varied. This depends on the severity of the poisoning and the duration of exposure to the toxic substance on the body.

Mild mercury poisoning from a thermometer proceeds safely without complications. Chronic intoxication is much more dangerous in this sense. It has a large number of severe complications.

Possible consequences of poisoning:

• Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa. This pathology is characterized by the presence of diseased ulcers in the mouth and increased salivation;
• Chronic renal failure. The kidneys are not able to fully carry out filtration and excretory functions. A person experiences extensive swelling, various types of intoxication, and so on;

• Chronic liver failure . The patient suffers from constant pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium. The organ is unable to remove toxins from the body;
• Cardiovascular pathology: ischemic disease heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke;
• CNS damage, which can manifest itself as mild disturbances (for example, sleep disturbances, meteosensitivity) or severe impairment of intellectual abilities.

How to protect yourself from poisoning with a broken thermometer

If the thermometer breaks, it is important to protect yourself and your loved ones (especially children) from poisoning.

In the event that the thermometer breaks and it is decided to call specialists to carry out demercurization, it is necessary to leave the contaminated room. At the same time, it should be well closed so that mercury vapor does not spread. It is better to stay outside until the specialists arrive.

If the premises were processed independently, then a number of measures must be taken:

You should carefully monitor the well-being of yourself and those around you.. Special attention should be given to children and pregnant women. If symptoms of mercury poisoning occur, seek medical help immediately.

Is it possible to die from mercury intoxication?

The toxic dose of mercury (that is, the amount that leads to intoxication) is 0.4 milligrams. But 1 gram of this substance causes death.

Factors contributing to the development of severe poisoning with fatal outcome:

• The amount of toxic substance released;
• The area of ​​the premises in which the domestic accident occurred;
• Age, gender of the person;
• The health status of the victim;
• Person's weight;
• Timely provision of first aid and treatment.

Is it possible to die from mercury from a thermometer? Yes, but in this case there must be prolonged contact with large amounts of mercury. Fatal outcome in in this case is recorded extremely rarely and in weakened people.

A child swallowed mercury from a thermometer - what to do?

Children are very active and curious. They may swallow mercury simply out of curiosity, after the thermometer has broken. That is why it is necessary to teach your child to handle a thermometer carefully. If the thermometer breaks, you should make sure that the child does not swallow mercury. He must be taken out of the room immediately.

If a child does swallow mercury, the following measures must be taken::

Hospitalization of the child is necessary in order to:

• Diagnose mercury vapor poisoning (blood and urine tests to determine mercury concentration);
• Determine whether there is any damage to the esophagus due to glass fragments, or the presence of fragments in the stomach.