![]() ![]() While mercury was historically used throughout the world to extract gold from ore, more efficient processes are now used in large-scale industrial mining. Artisanal gold mining – Liquid elemental mercury can be used to concentrate gold from crushed ore or sediments.Mercury toxicity may result from inhalation of mercury vapor during the manufacturing or recycling of such bulbs. ![]() Mercury is also contained in compact fluorescent light bulbs. Manufacturing processes – Mercury is still used in the manufacture of some instruments, including sphygmomanometers, manometers, thermometers, and barometers, although non-mercury based forms of these devices are more common.Sources of exposure - Potential occupational sources of exposure to elemental mercury include: The central nervous system is the major site of deposition for mercury derived from inhalation exposure of vapor. Although a small fraction of the mercury vapor taken into the lung is eliminated via exhalation, most absorbed mercury is eliminated in the feces. Elemental mercury is poorly absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract or skin. Elemental mercury forms a vapor at room temperature, and the major route of absorption is through the lungs. (See "Autism spectrum disorder and chronic disease: No evidence for vaccines or thimerosal as a contributing factor".)ĮLEMENTAL MERCURY TOXICITY - Elemental mercury is a silver-colored liquid ("quicksilver") that is volatile at room temperature and causes pulmonary and neurologic toxicity, as well as nephrotoxicity in severe or prolonged exposures. The use of thimerosal in vaccines is discussed elsewhere. (See "Fish consumption and marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy" and "Nutrition in pregnancy: Assessment and counseling", section on 'Guidelines for safe seafood consumption'.) Potential toxicity from ingestion of fish during pregnancy is discussed elsewhere. This topic reviews sources of mercury exposure, the clinical manifestations, and the treatment and prevention of mercury toxicity. The toxic manifestation depends on the form of exposure. INTRODUCTION - Mercury exists in elemental, inorganic, and organic forms, all of which may be toxic.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |