Is it possible to get poisoned by mercury from a thermometer? Mercury intoxication: acute, chronic, occupational.

Update: October 2018

Mercury poisoning is one of the serious intoxications of the human body, which leaves a number of negative health consequences. This condition is feared by adults and children, especially panicking at the time of breaking household mercury thermometers. In this article, we will look at the symptoms of chronic and acute mercury poisoning and under what circumstances it can actually be obtained.

Characteristics of mercury

Mercury is a substance of the first hazard class. 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, it does not have a toxic effect on the body. But vapors and soluble (especially organic) mercury compounds are very toxic - they are cumulative poisons.

Even in small amounts, mercury can cause significant health problems. It has a toxic effect on the digestive, nervous and immune systems, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin and eyes. Therefore, in case of mercury poisoning, the symptoms are associated with a violation of the functions 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.

Poisoning that occurs as a result of breaking household mercury thermometers is extremely rare and can occur in families that completely disregard safety rules or often break thermometers without further demercurization. If mercury poisoning from a thermometer has occurred, the symptoms are likely to be chronic.

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

Where can a person encounter mercury in everyday life?

Despite such a danger of the metal, it is not so easy to meet with mercury, especially in such an amount as to get serious pathologies.

Thus, to poison yourself with mercury, you still need to look for it! Which is what some inquisitive people do, bringing home or garage unknown appliances or devices that can be a source of dangerous mercury vapor.

Sometimes, extremely rarely, chronic mercury poisoning is found in people who once bought secondary housing a long time ago, in the crevices of the floors and walls of which there was mercury that had inexplicably got there.

With 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 series of simple steps that will protect you, your loved ones and pets from mercury poisoning.

The 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 metal in the lung tissue. At higher levels, mercury can be absorbed through intact skin. Depending on the duration of mercury intake into the body and the amount of metal ingested, acute and chronic poisoning occurs. Micromercurialism belongs to a separate category.

Symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning

Acute poisoning

The first manifestations are noted 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, diarrhea with blood,
cough and shortness of breath - inflammation of the lung tissue joins, catarrh of the respiratory tract, chest pain, severe chills
characterized by a rise in body temperature to 38-40 ° C.
mercury is found in the urine during the study.

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

chronic poisoning

Mercurialism is a general poisoning due to chronic exposure to much higher than normal levels of mercury vapor and compounds for 2-5 months or years. Manifestations depend on the state of the body and the 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 a weakening of memory, a decrease in attention. Gradually, a bright characteristic symptom develops - a "mercury tremor" of the fingers and toes, lips, eyelids, which occurs during excitement. There are urges to defecate and urinate, a drop in smell, tactile sensitivity, taste, sweating increases. Significantly increases the thyroid gland, there are failures of the heart rhythm, a drop in pressure.

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

Consequences of mercury poisoning

In the absence of timely assistance, acute mercury poisoning can result in death.
People with chronic mercury intoxication cannot lead a normal life and become psychologically disabled.
Mercury is especially dangerous for pregnant women, since there is a high risk of developing intrauterine pathology.

Is it possible to detect excess concentrations of mercury vapor in the room?

Of course, after any situation that carries the risk of exceeding the MAC of mercury in the air, you should invite an accredited laboratory and take measurements (the standard is not more than 0.0003 mg / m³).

There are also household tests that help to tentatively estimate the concentration of mercury in the indoor air (paper impregnated with selenium sulfide or copper iodide), which allows, during 8-10 hours of observation, to find out if there is an excess of the MPC. They can be purchased on the territory of the countries of the post-Soviet space with an estimated cost of about 150 rubles.

Treatment

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

Prevention

In case of accidental breaking of a thermometer or a fluorescent lamp, carry out the whole range of necessary measures to eliminate the accident.
People working in occupations that involve contact with mercury are advised to rinse their mouth with a solution of potassium permanganate or chlorate during the shift and after work.
In case of poisoning with mercury salts, the adsorbent is raw egg white - several proteins should be taken orally.

Possible ways of poisoning the body of children and adults with Hydrargyrum are as follows:

contact with the mucous membranes of even minor particles of mercury;
swallowing them;
through the skin;
inhalation of vapors or their entry into the blood directly.

In everyday life, mercury can be encountered when integrity is violated:

medical thermometers;
energy-saving and fluorescent lamps;
sphygmomanometers (mercury tonometers);
mercury-containing electrical valves.

In addition, this metal contains:

in cinnabar (paint);
in some types of filling materials in dentistry.

Older students can get Hydrargyrum poisoning in physics class if experiments with mercury are carried out in violation of safety regulations. This substance can even get into food if the control over their production is insufficient.

Symptoms

A specific sign of intoxication of the body with this heavy metal is the color of the gums in a bright red color. Some time later, they are covered with a dark coating. The nervous system is the first to be attacked in Hydrargyrum poisoning. This is manifested in the appearance of:

irritability
increased excitability,
memory loss,
severe headaches,
sleep disorders,
convulsions,
loss of orientation
double vision,
depression,
constant feeling of tiredness and desire to sleep.

temperature increase;
lowering blood pressure;
increased sweating;
sharp pain in the abdominal cavity;
tremor of the limbs and the whole body;
inflammation of the oral mucosa (as with stomatitis).

The next stage is the appearance of signs of damage to the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys:

metallic taste in the mouth;
increased salivation;
bouts of nausea ending in vomiting;
diarrhea;
violation of deurination (urination).

If, in the presence of the whole complex of the above symptoms, urgent medical care is not provided, a fatal outcome is almost inevitable.

Diagnosis of mercury poisoning in a child

Since many of the symptoms are non-specific, present in many other diseases, the first task in diagnosis is to differentiate Hydrargyrum poisoning from acute manifestations:

gastrointestinal pathologies,
cerebrovascular accident,
renal diseases of non-toxic origin.

For this purpose, the following methods are used:

photoelectrocolorimetry (determination of the concentration of free hemoglobin in the blood);
colorimetry (calculation of the amount of metal in urine and blood).

If mercury poisoning has occurred, the erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels will be low, and the ESR will be high. Research will show its concentration:

blood using one of the test programs used in diagnostics,
urine and hair using the method with or without provocation.

The most revealing is the provocation method. Its essence is as follows: a neutralizing substance (detoxifier) is introduced into the body. After that, urine analysis is carried out. This method reveals two things:

the presence or absence of mercury in the body,
the ability of a given detoxifying drug to remove it from him.

Complications

Hydrargyrum belongs to the category of the most toxic substances. Its entry into the body can have disastrous consequences. This is especially true for children. The most severe complications of intoxication with this heavy metal include:

violations in the work of the urinary organs (up to renal failure);
problems with the digestive system;
lesions of the central nervous system (impaired coordination, motor function, psycho-emotional disorders);
violation of the functioning of the respiratory system (non-infectious bronchitis, inflammation and edema of the lungs).

If, in case of poisoning with this substance, timely medical care is not provided and, as a result, there will be malfunctions in the work of vital organs, even a fatal outcome is possible.

Treatment

What can you do

The first thing you should do when a child is poisoned with mercury is to take him to fresh air or at least take him away from the source to a safe distance. After that:

call an ambulance;
drink plenty of water and induce vomiting;
give activated charcoal (up to 7 tablets) or at least water again;
rinse your mouth with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate);
bathe in the shower and change clothes;
put to bed until the ambulance arrives.

What does a doctor do

The treatment of such an ailment is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or an epidemiologist. The goal of treatment is to remove mercury from the body in the urine as soon as possible. To do this, medical detoxification is carried out using:

dimercapto compounds (intramuscularly);
sodium thiosulfate solution (intravenously);
succimer of mesodimercaptosuccinic acid.

Prevention

To prevent the possibility of poisoning children at home, the following preventive measures should be taken:

be careful with mercury-containing devices and objects,
store the thermometer in the package out of the reach of the child,
do not throw away used mercury-containing devices in the trash.

If, however, mercury was spilled, it is necessary:

remove everyone from the room and ventilate it well;
carefully collect all the balls using sheets of paper or a pipette;
wash the place where they were with soap and soda solution;
pour soda or table salt into all available cracks, which after a while collect and discard.

You will also learn how untimely treatment of mercury poisoning in children can be dangerous, and why it is so important to avoid the consequences. All about how to prevent mercury poisoning in children and prevent complications.

And caring parents will find on the pages of the service full information about the symptoms of mercury poisoning in children. How do the signs of the disease in children at 1.2 and 3 years old differ from the manifestations of the disease in children at 4, 5, 6 and 7 years old? What is the best way to treat mercury poisoning disease in children?

Take care of the health of your loved ones and be in good shape!

Mercury is one of the most dangerous substances for human health. But, nevertheless, this poison is certainly present in every home. Energy-saving lamps, mercury thermometers, mercury-based paints are common household items. The amount of liquid metal in thermometers and lamps is small, but it is quite enough for slow poisoning of the body in case of damage to a fragile glass capsule.

Symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning

The metal itself, spilled in a conspicuous place, is not so dangerous. If the area of spilled mercury is small, it can be quickly collected and placed in a closed container. In this case, mercury poisoning is minimized. But even small balls of mercury, “hidden” in an inconspicuous place (parquet cracks, carpet pile), evaporating, can confidently poison those who breathe dangerous air for a long time. Mercury vapor also has a toxic effect on workers in the chemical industry in workshops where safety regulations are not followed. Symptoms of acute mercury vapor poisoning include:

intense headache;
metallic taste in the mouth;
indigestion;
nausea and vomiting;
bleeding gums;
pain when swallowing;
an increase in the amount of saliva secreted;
frequent cough;
labored breathing;
increase in body temperature;
chills;
weakness and drowsiness;
memory impairment;
tremor.

Symptoms can appear both simultaneously in a complex, and gradually one by one. They increase as the concentration of mercury in the body increases.

Mercury poisoning - treatment

Treatment of poisoning is reduced to the rapid and complete removal of mercury and its salts from the body, as well as alleviating the general condition of the patient by relieving symptoms and eliminating the consequences of poisoning. This should not be done on your own without the help of doctors. Even if the necessary drugs are available, treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting. Attempts to cope with poisoning at home take up precious time, prolong the effect of the poison on all human organs and systems, thereby worsening the patient's condition. For treatment in the hospital, modern drugs are used that eliminate mercury from the body:

unithiol;
taurine;
succimer;
methionine;
allithiamin.

Doctors select drugs according to the degree of poisoning, the body's tolerance for certain substances, as well as the severity of symptoms. If mercury or its salts have been swallowed, then the first aid for mercury poisoning is to cleanse the body of the remnants of the ingested substance. In this case, you need to urgently induce vomiting and wait for the arrival of emergency medical care.

Consequences of mercury poisoning

The longer the exposure to mercury vapor or salts on the body, and the more unstable the state of human health, the more serious the consequences of mercury poisoning. Children and pregnant women are at risk. Long-term inhalation of even small doses of mercury vapor initiates irreversible processes in the liver, kidneys, digestive organs and central nervous system. Mercury in the body is not excreted by itself. Gradually accumulating, it can lead to insufficient function of vital organs and, as a result, to death.

Prevention of mercury poisoning

The most important thing in preventing poisoning by mercury and its vapor is to reduce the likelihood of exposure to a hazardous substance:

Mercury belongs to heavy metals. Its compounds in the form of salts and oxides are used in production, it is part of some paints and preparations for disinfection. Moreover, salts of this metal are more toxic than oxides.

At home, mercury can be encountered when thermometers, energy-saving light bulbs are damaged. Metal fumes poisoning is unlikely from a single broken light bulb. If the light bulbs are damaged periodically, then chronic poisoning is quite possible to earn. At school, in the lessons of physics and chemistry, reactions with mercury are carried out, so there are also cases of poisoning when safety precautions are violated when working with chemicals.

Input routes for mercury

Mercury vapor poisoning can occur through the skin. In this case, intoxication develops slowly.

A more dangerous situation occurs when metal particles get on the mucous membranes or when it is swallowed. In this case, the liver experiences a toxic blow.

The most severe variant of poisoning occurs after inhalation of vapors or directly when it enters the bloodstream, since the liver practically does not participate in their neutralization.

Toxic dose of mercury

Most often, a person comes into contact with mercury when breaking a thermometer. Is it possible to get poisoned when the thermometer crashed?

“A thermometer contains about two grams of mercury. The ingestion of half of this dose into the human body is fatal.

Much depends on the age, gender, body weight of a person who has been in contact with a dangerous poison. Also important is the size of the room in which the mercury was released.

These factors affect the severity of poisoning. The probability of mercury poisoning itself from a thermometer, if no action is taken, is close to 100%, since its average toxic dose is only 0.4 mg.

What to do if the thermometer breaks? This will be discussed below.

Symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning

Poisoning can occur acutely, for example, by inhalation of vapors, subacute and chronically, when a small amount of mercury enters the body, but for a long time.

Acute course is rare and possibly in an accident at a factory where mercury is used, and in other similar cases. More often there is chronic mercury poisoning from a thermometer, the symptoms of which develop gradually.

Common symptoms of mercury vapor poisoning would be:

It is important to understand that in each case, the set of symptoms is individual and depends on many factors. The classic manifestations of poisoning are one thing, but the cases in practice are quite another.

How to identify mercury poisoning? Symptoms are mostly non-specific and occur in case of poisoning with other heavy metals, as well as in inflammatory diseases of various organs, which also suffer from mercury intoxication. Clear evidence is given by a blood test for the concentration of a toxic substance, which is detected in case of poisoning from 180 μg / l and above.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning during pregnancy

Mercury poisoning during pregnancy is rare, but it does occur.

The symptoms will be the same as in non-pregnant women. Dangerous intoxication by the threat of fetal death.

What to do in case of mercury poisoning

What to do if the thermometer breaks

Compliance with safety precautions when working with mercury at work, as well as regular medical examinations for the timely detection of heavy metal intoxication reduces the risk of getting sick. At home, preventive measures are to replace all mercury thermometers with electronic ones and be more careful with energy-saving lamps.

What to do if the thermometer breaks?

Treat it responsibly and without panic.
Get everyone out of the room.
Close the door and open the windows.
Children under 18, pregnant women and people with serious chronic diseases should not collect mercury.
It is necessary to isolate mercury in rubber gloves in a sealed glass dish. To protect yourself from inhaling toxic fumes, wear a cotton-gauze or medical mask. Shoe covers must be on the feet.
Collect mercury with sheets of paper and with a plaster - gluing small balls with the sticky surface of the tape.
Everything that had contact with mercury should be placed in a plastic bag.
Call the Ministry of Emergency Situations or ask them for a number where to go to clean the room and dispose of the collected metal.

The most favorable outcome is acute poisoning of mild severity. The greatest damage to organs occurs with prolonged intoxication. In this case, the consequences of mercury poisoning from a thermometer will be the formation of severe chronic diseases of the affected organs, not to mention death. Timely seeking medical help will reduce these consequences to a minimum.