Toxicity of a family from vacuumed mercury

Schwartz, Joyce G.; Snider, Ted E.; Montiel, Milka M.

doi:10.1016/0735-6757(92)90221-i

Cited by 44 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Whiles we report “itchy eyes” and fatigue as the most common sign and symptom suggestive of mercury exposure, Mensah in 2012, reported complaints of skin rashes, red eyes and metallic taste to be associated with mercury exposure among small scale miners in Prestea, Ghana [2] . Other studies have reported red eyes and conjunctivitis among individuals exposed to high concentration of elemental mercury vapours [32]. This could be attributed to continuous higher occupational exposure to elemental mercury vapour.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Reduced egfr, elevated urine protein and low level of personal protective equipment compliance among artisanal small scale gold miners at Bibiani-Ghana: a cross-sectional study

et al. 2017

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BackgroundMercury is a toxic metal with its effects on human health ranging from acute to chronic in a very short time of exposure. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the main source of direct human exposure to mercury.AimTo access the effect of mercury exposure on the renal function and level of personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance among small-scale gold miners in Bibiani District of the Western Region of GhanaMethod110 consenting male gold miners were purposively recruited for this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information from the participants. Work place assessment and interviews were conducted. Urine samples were analysed for protein; blood was analysed for mercury and creatinine. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.ResultsOf the 110 participants, 61(55.5%) exceeded the occupational exposure threshold (blood mercury <5μg/L). Urine protein (41.72±68.34, P<0.0001), serum creatinine (2.24±1.19, P<0.0001) and blood mercury (18.37±10.47, P<0.0001) were significantly elevated among the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. However, the exposed group had a significantly reduced eGFR (P<0.0001). There was a significant correlation (r=0.7338, p<0.0001) between blood mercury concentration and urine protein concentration. An increase in blood mercury correlated negatively (r = −0.8233, P<0.0001) with eGFR among the exposed group. High urine protein (P< 0.0001) and high serum creatinine (P< 0.0001) were significantly associated with increased mercury exposure. Increased mercury exposure was significantly associated with burning of amalgam (P=0.0196), sucking of excess mercury (P=0.0336), longer work duration (P=0.0314) and low educational background (P=0.0473).ConclusionSmall scale miners at the Bibiani work site are exposed to excess mercury. Proteinuria and reduced eGFR is common in mine workers exposed to excess mercury. We found poor PPE compliance among the study population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Reduced egfr, elevated urine protein and low level of personal protective equipment compliance among artisanal small scale gold miners at Bibiani-Ghana: a cross-sectional study

et al. 2017

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“…Most human metallic mercury exposure comes from mercury vapor outgassing from amalgam fillings, at a rate of 2 to 28 micrograms per facet surface per day, of which about 80% is absorbed, according to the World Health Organization [7, 8] and Berglund et al [10]. A less common source of mercury vapor is spilled mercury [11], and there is a report in the literature of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [12] caused by vacuuming spilled mercury (thereby producing a major acute exposure to mercury vapor).…”

Section: Sources Of Mercury Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury Toxicity and Treatment: A Review of the Literature

Bernhoft¹

2012

Journal of Environmental and Public Health

862

552

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Mercury is a toxic heavy metal which is widely dispersed in nature. Most human exposure results from fish consumption or dental amalgam. Mercury occurs in several chemical forms, with complex pharmacokinetics. Mercury is capable of inducing a wide range of clinical presentations. Diagnosis of mercury toxicity can be challenging but can be obtained with reasonable reliability. Effective therapies for clinical toxicity have been described.

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“…It is generally believed that manifestations of mercury intoxication are due to a certain susceptibility: when many are exposed, only a few develop symptoms. This means that if one case is diagnosed, it is likely that more people have been exposed [3,5,10].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

A previously healthy 11-year-old girl with behavioural disturbances, desquamation of the skin and loss of teeth

et al. 2008

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An 11-year-old girl was admitted with backpain, weight loss, fatigue and behavioural disturbances, starting seven weeks before admission. Physical examination showed acrodynia, tremor, cachexia, hypertension and extensive gingival ulceration. Routine laboratory tests were normal, except for a CRP of 98 mg/l. Screening tests for recreational drugs as well as antibody assays for HIV, hepatitis B and borrelia burgdorferia were negative. Chest X-ray, brain CAT and MRI scan were all normal. Lumbar puncture didn't show any abnormalities. Eventually a 24-hour urine test confirmed the diagnosis that was suspected by further questioning.

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Toxicity of a family from vacuumed mercury

Cited by 44 publications

References 17 publications

Reduced egfr, elevated urine protein and low level of personal protective equipment compliance among artisanal small scale gold miners at Bibiani-Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Reduced egfr, elevated urine protein and low level of personal protective equipment compliance among artisanal small scale gold miners at Bibiani-Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Mercury Toxicity and Treatment: A Review of the Literature

A previously healthy 11-year-old girl with behavioural disturbances, desquamation of the skin and loss of teeth

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