Mercury PoisoningMercury Poisoning (also known as mercurialism) is damage done to the human nervous system and other bodily systems due to the over-exposure of its toxic compounds. As a neurotoxin, it can greatly effect our nervous system. Symptoms include personality changes, nervousness, trembling, and even dementia.
Today, people have become more conscious of the dangers. There is a significant hazard for people exposed due to dental fillings, vaccines and occupational environments. If vapors are inhaled, as much as 80 percent may enter the bloodstream. The effects of mercurialism can be classified as: Acute Acute exposure occurs when you are exposed to a high dose over a short period of time. Acute exposure can occur in a variety of situations, including multiple vaccines (within one office visit) or breathing in high levels of vapor in the air. If you are affected by mercurialism, your symptoms will usually begin with a cough, chest tightness, trouble with breathing and an upset stomach. Pneumonia can develop, which can be fatal. If you swallow its inorganic compounds, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe kidney damage (see chronic effects) may occur. Chronic If you are exposed repeatedly or for extended period, chronic mercurialism can result. Health effects include nervous system effects, kidney damage and birth defects. There are several symptoms: 1. Gingivitis: The gums become soft and spongy, the teeth get loose, sores may develop and there may be increased salivation. 2. Mood and Mental Changes: People with chronic mercurialism often also have wide mood swings, becoming irritable, frightened, depressed or excited very quickly for no apparent reason. Such people may become extremely upset at any criticism, lose all self-confidence and become apathetic. Hallucinations, memory loss and inability to concentrate can occur. 3. Nerve Damage: It may start with a fine tremor (shaking) of the hand, loss of sensitivity in hands and feet, difficulty in walking or slurred speech. Tremors may also occur in the tongue and eyelids. Eventually this can progress to trouble balancing and walking. It has even caused paralysis and death in rare cases. Other Effects Mercurialism can cause kidney damage, which includes increased protein in the urine and may result in kidney failure at high dose exposure. Mercurialism has also been known to affect the development of prenatal life and infants. Skin allergies may develop. If this happens, repeated exposure causes rash and itching. Exposure can cause the lens of the eye to discolor. Some of the inorganic compounds can cause burns or severe irritation of the skin and eyes on contact. The degree of risk varies depending on the amount, the form, how often and the age of the exposed person. Children (and also unborn fetuses) are the most vulnerable to the effects of mercurialism. The work environment can be designed to minimize workers' exposure. But some mercury will still escape into the environment and much of it will change into methyl mercury and eventually be eaten by fish. Contaminated fish is another source of mercurialism. It is recommended that its uses in buildings be eliminated, not because its presence makes the buildings dangerous, but to help keep mercury out of the environment. Protect You and Your Family!
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