![]() After inhalation, approximately 80% of mercury vapour crosses the alveolar membrane and is rapidly absorbed into the blood. The predominant route of exposure to elemental mercury is by inhalation of vapours. The absorption of mercury is largely dependent on its form. Kinetics and metabolismĮlemental and inorganic mercury have different biological properties and hence are discussed separately. However, owing to a lack of data it is not possible to rule out an increased risk. The data does not indicate an increased risk of miscarriage or low birthweight following maternal occupational exposure. Conflicting results have been reported in studies investigating congenital malformations in the offspring of women occupationally exposed to mercury. There is limited data available on exposure to elemental or inorganic mercury during pregnancy. There is limited data available on the carcinogenic effects of mercury in animals. The IARC has classified elemental mercury and inorganic mercury compounds as category 3 carcinogens, ie not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. There is little convincing evidence that exposure to mercury causes chromosomal damage or other mutagenic effects. Nephrotoxicity including proteinuria and increased urinary enzyme excretion were observed following occupational exposure to elemental mercury, as well as stomatitis, sore gums and ulceration of the oral mucosa.įollowing chronic ingestion of inorganic mercury compounds, irritability, weakness, insomnia, muscle twitching, swollen gums, excess salivation, anorexia and abdominal pain may occur. Contact with soluble inorganic mercury compounds may also cause irritation, vesiculation and contact dermatitis.Ĭhronic exposure to elemental mercury vapour by inhalation may cause neurotoxicity, the symptoms of which are decreased psychomotor skills and neuropsychological symptoms, including fatigue, tremor, headaches, depression, irritability and hallucinations. Hypertension and tachycardia have also been reported following ingestion of inorganic mercury compounds.Īcute dermal exposure to elemental mercury vapour can cause erythematous and pruritic skin rashes, and a reddening and peeling of the skin on the palms of the feet and hands associated with acrodynia. If patients survive damage to the GI tract, acute renal failure may occur within 24 hours of ingestion. Ulceration of the mouth, lips, tongue and GI tract may also occur. ![]() Inorganic mercury compounds are highly irritating to the GI tract and acute ingestion may cause a metallic taste, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, possibly leading to circulatory collapse and death. Owing to the accumulation of mercury in the kidneys, acute renal failure, indicated by proteinuria, haematuria and oliguria, are commonly reported.Īcute inhalation of elemental mercury may also cause GI effects such as stomatitis, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and ulceration of the oral mucosa, as well as cardiovascular effects such as hypertension and tachycardia. ![]() CNS effects include tremor, irritability, nervousness and hallucinations. The majority of data available on the toxicity of inorganic mercury compounds concerns exposure by ingestion.Īcute inhalation of elemental mercury vapour may cause respiratory effects such as cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness, bronchitis and decreased pulmonary function. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal ( GI) tract and is therefore unlikely to cause serious adverse health effects following ingestion. Inhalation is the significant route of exposure to elemental mercury. The main target organs of elemental and inorganic mercury toxicity are the CNS and the kidneys. The International Agency for Research on Cancer ( IARC) classified elemental mercury and mercury compounds as a category 3 carcinogen, in other words not classifiable as to the carcinogenicity to humans. Ingestion of inorganic mercury compounds may cause neurotoxicity, digestive tract effects or renal failure. Inhalation of elemental mercury vapour may cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and effects on the oral cavity. Ingestion of inorganic mercury compounds may affect the digestive tract, and cause renal damage, cardiovascular effects and skin/eye effects. Inhalation of elemental mercury may cause respiratory, central nervous system ( CNS) and cardiovascular effects, renal damage and gastrointestinal disturbances. Elimination predominantly occurs through the urine and faeces. Elemental mercury may readily cross the blood-brain barrier. ![]() Mercury is distributed to all tissues but mainly accumulates in the kidneys. The main route of exposure to elemental mercury is inhalation to inorganic mercury compounds, it’s ingestion.
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