Mercury Poisoning Symptoms

Mercury is a natural and very poisonous substance which is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Its chemical symbol is Hg. The most commonly found and used compound of mercury is mercuric sulfide (HgS). It is a refined form of cinnabar, and has numerous applications. It is used in paint, batteries and many other industrial and household items. The most well-known use of HgS is in thermometer. It also constitutes for about 50% of the total contents of amalgam dental fillings.

Owing to the large applications of mercury, the chances of exposure to it are also very high. Overexposure to mercury results in a condition named mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning symptoms are systemic. This means that it doesn't just affect one part of the body, but it affects every system in the body. In addition to this, mercury poisoning inhibits the function of immune system and therefore the patient will have other diseases as well.

Causes of Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning is the result of too much exposure to mercury. Mercury poisoning can be caused by any number of methods of exposure. Amalgam dental fillings are a main cause of mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning from fillings may take some time before possible symptoms appear. Other causes are eating fish that have been exposed to mercury in the environment. Industrial and workplace exposure such as in a paint industry or hospital poses a potential threat of mercury poisoning. Even breakage of thermometer at home can cause serious mercury poisoning. The mercury vapors that linger in air can be particularly hazardous.

Exposure to mercury may even occur through cosmetics. There have been several cases of mercury poisoning in the South-West states by a company that sold a beauty cream with calomel listed as an ingredient. Calomel is mercurous chloride (HgCl₂). This product had mercury levels around 10%. In Germany, there were cases of mercury poisoning through the use of over the counter hair bleaching products that had no warning label concerning the contents. The results were the classic signs of mercury poisoning, which include loss of hair and discolored fingernails.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Adults

Mercury is destructive to the immune system and causes many unrelated diseases. This can delay the treatment, because in the absence of peculiar symptoms, both doctor and patient attempt to cure other possible diseases. Hence, it is a must that you identify certain symptoms that are associated with mercury poisoning.

Psychological Disturbances
Fits of anger, short term memory loss, low self-esteem, inability to sleep, loss of self-control, sleepiness are some signs of psychological disturbances. Besides, a person may also suffer from the loss of ability to learn new things or things that require memorization.

Oral Cavity Problems
Inflammation of the mouth, loss of bone around teeth, ulcerated gums and other areas in the mouth, darkening of gums, taste of metal, bleeding gums etc., point to a possibility of mercury poisoning.

Digestive Tract Problems
Cramps, inflamed colon, diarrhea and other digestive problems are also indicative of mercury poisoning.

Cardiovascular Problems
Weak pulse, blood pressure changes, chest pain or feeling of pressure in the chest area are some cardiovascular problems associated with this condition.

Respiratory problems
Weakness and problems with breathing, emphysema, persistent cough are some respiratory problems that are linked with mercury poisoning.

Neurological Problems
Headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, twitching in various areas of the body (eyelids, feet etc.), may be warning signs of mercury overexposure.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Children

Mercury poisoning in children may lead to several developmental disorders including Autism, Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS, ADD. Common neurological symptoms that appear in children are:

• Decreased eye contact.
• Repeating certain actions over and over again.
• Not responding to their name.
• Not looking at an object when pointed.
• Poor concentration or attention.
• Sensitivity to sensory stimulation.

Common language or speech related symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• Loss or delay of speech.
• Difficulty in understanding and articulating words.
• Difficulty in memorizing.

Also, following common social problems can be attributed to mercury poisoning.

• Withdrawal.
• Irritability.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Night terrors.
• Sleep problems.
• Mood swings.

In addition other symptoms include auto-immune disorders such as:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Juvenile diabetes
• Asthma
• Chronic ear infections
• Decreased immunity.

One must note that mercury poisoning cannot be the only cause of every disorder mentioned above. However, it can certainly lead to some of the above conditions. Therefore, if these symptoms are present, it is logical to check for the presence of mercury poisoning.

Considering the severity of mercury poisoning, it is a must that you prevent any hazards of mercury exposure. Warn your family about the potential dangers of mercury in household items. Most importantly, guard your kids against accidental mercury exposure.