Elemental mercury poisoning in a family of seven.
Mercury poisoning in children is rare but may have devastating health consequences when exposure is unrecognized. Mercury occurs in three forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. Elemental mercury (Hg(0)) vapor may become volatile following an accidental spill and may be readily absorbed from the lungs. The following case study describes how the poison center, health department, physicians, and others worked together to treat a family with long-term exposure to elemental mercury vapor in the home. Identification and prevention of this type of exposure in the community are discussed.
Cherry
Debra
D
University of Texas Health Center, Tyler, Texas, USA.
Lowry
Larry
L
Velez
Larissa
L
Cotrell
Cindy
C
Keyes
D Christopher
DC
D000061:Accidents, Home; D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D002614:Chelating Agents