Acute accidental poisoning by mercury vapors in the home environment
Candura, F.; Biscaldi, G.; Minoia, C.; Malamani, T.; Bosio, E.; Catenacci, G.; Fonte, R.; Mattia, M.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro 11(5): 209-213
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-9889 PMID: 2562738 Document Number: 333257
The authors report 2 cases of acute mercury intoxication due to accidental breakage of barometer on to a lit gas ring. Within 24-48 hours the subjects developed neurological, gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms. A 24-hour urine sample contained 600 and 400 micrograms of mercury per liter respectively (reference value 0.1-6.9 micrograms/L); blood concentration of mercury was 130 and 100 micrograms per liter (reference value 1.7-9.9 micrograms/L). The patients were treated with penicillamine and daily excretion of mercury was monitored. The residual sources of pollution in the kitchen were identified and bonificated.