title: Organomercury poisoning in Iraq: history prior to the 1971-72 outbreak.
abstract: Mercury has been used medically in the Middle East since time immemorial. Organomercury compounds were first used as seed dressings in Iraq in 1955. During the years 1955-59, 200 cases of poisoning occurred. A more clearly defined outbreak occurred in 1960, involving approximately 1000 hospital admissions. Twelve patients from two families affected in this outbreak were re-examined in 1973, and showed considerable improvement.
mesh_terms: D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000266:history*; D005035:Ethylmercury Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006666:History of Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D008297:Male; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000266:history*; D012639:Seeds
chemical_list: D005035:Ethylmercury Compounds