Detailed Information on Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning also called mercurialism or hydrargyria. Mercury poisoning is a illness result by exposure to mercury or its toxic compounds. Mercury poisoning is the caused of too much exposure to the poison mercury. The consumption of fish is by far the most major cause of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans, although plants and livestock also include mercury due to bioaccumulation of mercury from soil, water and atmosphere, and due to biomagnification by ingesting other mercury-containing organisms. Exposure to mercury can arise from breathing contaminated air, or from improper use or disposal of mercury.

Mercury is a cumulative heavy metal poison which occurs in its elemental form, inorganically as salts, or organically as organo mercury compounds; the three groups vary in effects due to differences in their absorption and metabolism, among other factors. Mercury is a natural and very poisonous substance, its chemical symbol is Hg. Mercury is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, unless under a black light, then the vapors can be seen rising from the tooth like it was a cigarette. Mercury is used in paint, Batteries, and many other industrial and household uses. Mercury is also used as 50% of the contents of amalgam dental fillings.

Mercury is destructive to the immune system and causes many irrelevant diseases. Mercury damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs, and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. Exposure over long periods of time or heavy exposure to mercury vapor can result in brain damage and ultimately death. Women who have been exposed to mercury in pregnancy have sometimes given birth to children with serious birth defects. Mercury exposure in young children can have severe neurological consequences, preventing nerve sheaths from forming properly.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning typically involve sensory destruction (vision, hearing, and speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination. Common symptoms comprise peripheral neuropathy, skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers). Chelation therapy is also helpful. Glutathione and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are recommended by some physicians. Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to be protective against acute mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can be prevented (or minimized) by eliminating or reducing exposure to mercury and mercury compounds.

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