Pneumonitis mercury exposure

B. Other useful laboratory studies Include electrolytes, glucose, BUN, creatinine, liver transaminases, urinalysis, chest x-ray, and arterial blood gases (if pneumonitis Is suspected). Urinary markers of early nephrotoxicity (microalbuminuria, retinol binding protein, beta-2 microglobulin, and /V-aoetylgluoosaminidase) may aid detection of early adverse effects. Formal visual field examination may be useful for organic mercury exposure. 

Inhalation of mercury vapor may produce a metal fume fever-like syndrome, including chills, nausea, general malaise, tighmess in the chest, and respiratory symptoms. High concentrations cause corrosive bronchitis and interstitial pneumonitis. In the most severe cases, the patient will succumb because of respiratory insufficiency. In one episode involving four workers, it was estimated that mercurial pneumonitis resulted from exposure for several hours to concentrations ranging between 1 and 3mg/m. ... 

Mercury is an accumulative poison. Its toxicity depends on its form. Symptoms may start rapidly after acute exposure to high air concentrations of mercury vapor, and can include fever, chills, and nausea. In severe cases (e.g., as a consequence of heating), pulmonary edema may cause death within a few days. Acute exposure to mercury vapor can also produce bronchitis and interstitial pneumonitis. The toxicity of mercuric chloride (i.e., corrosive sublimate) has been well established. Oral ingestion causes severe abdominal cramps, possible ulceration and bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, and a bloody diarrhea. Loose teeth are noted and hepatitis has been recorded. Nephritis is common if the renal tubes are extensively damaged, it could lead to a... 

King G. 1954. Acute pneumonitis due to accidental exposure to mercury vapor. Ariz Med 11 335. 

Heavy metal pneumonitis is clinically similar to irritant inhalation injury. As with low-solubility gases, upper-ainvay mucous membrane irritation is minimal thus, the exposure may have poor warning properties. Offending agents include cadmium, mercury, and, in limited industrial settings, nickel carbonyl. 

Meicuiy (quicksilver [CAS 7439-97-6]) Acute exposures to high vapor levels reported to cause toxic pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Well absorbed by inhalation. Skin contact can produce irritation and sensitization dermatitis. Mercury salts but not metallic mercury are primarily toxic to the kidneys by acute ingestion. High acute or chronic overexposures can result in CNS toxicity (erythrism), chronic renal disease, brain injury, and peripheral neuropathies. Some inorganic mercury compounds have adverse ettects on total development in test animals. See also p 254. 

In typicsJ Hg vapor poisonings, excessive bronchitis and bronchiolitis occur in a few hours after heavy exposure, i.e., direct inhalation of mercury vapor generated from heating metallic mercury. This is followed by pneumonitis and respiratory distress, excitability, and tremors. If the amount inhaled is sufficiently large, renal failure will develop. 

Toxicity of elemental mercury has been reviewed (Who 1991). Symptoms after acute exposure to mercury vapor include chest pains, dyspnea, coughing, hemoptysis, impairment of pulmonary function, and interstitial pneumonitis leading to death. Subacute exposure to mercury vapor causes psychic reactions characterized by delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies. 

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