Mercury comes in three forms which can affect the body differently. Inorganic mercury, found in batteries, chemicals and disinfectants, doesn't typically cause symptoms due to chronic exposure but can be fatal if ingested. Elemental mercury, found in some dental fillings, glass thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs, and organic mercury, such as that found in some species of fish, both can cause chronic symptoms if an individual is exposed over a long period of time. Treatment requires emergency care in a hospital setting where doctors will attempt to remove the mercury from the body using substances called chelators.
Oral and Digestive Problems
Over time, exposure to elemental mercury will cause a metallic taste to develop in the mouth. The exposed individual may also experience swollen and bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, as a result of mercury poisoning. Individuals with chronic elemental mercury poisoning may vomit frequently and often feel nauseated. Some victims develop diarrhea or lose their appetite.
Respiratory Symptoms
Someone with long term exposure to elemental mercury can develop respiratory problems and have difficulty breathing. In some cases, the individual will also exhibit a bad cough. Lung damage from exposure to elemental mercury can be permanent. Chest pain may also develop as a symptom of chronic exposure and some people develop bronchitis from the exposure.
Neurological Damage
Over the long term, elemental mercury can cause permanent brain damage. Organic mercury also has significant neurological effects including memory problems and seizures. Organic mercury can also damage parts of the brain controlling movement and balance, leading to a loss of the ability to walk well and the development of uncontrollable shaking. If the optic nerve is affected, the person may go blind. Pregnant women who eat contaminated fish or are otherwise exposed to organic mercury may damage the brain of the developing fetus over time. A Centers for Disease Control report on chronic mercury poisoning in Mexico found that the victims experienced personality changes, irritability and nervousness as a result of using a face cream with high levels of mercury over many years.
Acrodynia
Acronydia, also known as Pink's disease, may occur in children who experience chronic exposure to any form of mercury, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. In acronydia, the hands become pink and the skin begins to peel. These children also experience leg cramps and may become irritable. Some develop permanent learning disorders.
Death
In some individuals with chronic exposure to mercury, death can result, even if no other visible symptoms occurred beforehand, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Death can result from kidney failure, a coma induced by the buildup of mercury within the brain or congenital problems caused by exposure during development.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency: What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish
- MedlinePlus: Mercury Poisoning
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mercury Poisoning Associated with Beauty Cream
- Illinois Department of Public Health: A Fact Sheet for Health Professionals--Elemental Mercury
- MassDEP: Mercury in Massachusetts
