Harmful effects due to short-term exposure to elemental mercury are rarely seen
any more because of strict controls used in workplaces where mercury exposure
might occur. Historically, short-term exposure to high concentrations of mercury
vapour caused harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems,
and the kidneys. In most cases, exposure occurred when mercury was heated.
Initial exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapour produces symptoms
similar to "metal fume fever" including fatigue, fever, and chills. Respiratory
system effects include cough, shortness of breath, tightness and burning pains in
the chest and inflammation of the lungs. Occupational exposure to 1 to 44
mg/m3 of mercury vapour for 4 to 8 hours caused chest pain, cough, coughing up
blood, impaired lung function and inflammation of the lungs. In some cases, a
potentially life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
has occurred. Exposure to high, but unspecified, concentrations of mercury
vapour has caused death due to respiratory failure. All of the reported deaths
resulted from inhaling mercury vapours formed upon heating mercury.
Several case reports have described harmful nervous system effects following
inhalation of high concentrations of mercury vapour. The most prominent
symptoms include tremors (initially affecting the hands and sometimes spreading
to other parts of the body), emotional instability (including irritability, excessive
shyness, a loss of confidence and nervousness), sleeplessness, memory loss,
muscle weakness, headaches, slow reflexes and a loss of feeling or numbness.
A classic sign of exposure to high concentrations of mercury is inflammation of
inside of the mouth (stomatitis), sometimes with a metallic taste, excessive
salivation and difficulty swallowing. Other digestive system effects include
abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Kidney injury is common following exposure to high concentrations of mercury.
Reported effects range from increased protein in the urine to kidney failure.
Exposure to high concentrations of mercury has also caused increased blood
pressure and heart rate.
What happens when Mercury comes into contact with my skin?
Elemental mercury is not known to directly irritate the skin. However, an allergic
skin reaction may develop following contact with mercury. For further
information, refer to "What are the long term health effects of exposure to
Mercury?" below. Elemental mercury liquid and vapour can be absorbed through
the skin and may contribute to the overall absorption and toxicity.
Early indicators of kidney injury include increased levels of protein in the urine
(proteinuria) and increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood and urine.
Proteinuria is commonly observed in studies reporting kidney effects. Less often,
changes to the structure of the kidneys have been shown. An increase in deaths
from kidney disease in people occupationally exposed to mercury was not
observed in one study.
SKIN SENSITIZATION: Allergic skin sensitization has been reported in people
with occupational exposure to mercury liquid or vapour. Once a person is
sensitized to a chemical, contact with even a small amount causes outbreaks of
dermatitis with symptoms such as skin redness, itching, rash and swelling. This
can spread from the hands or arms to other parts of the body. Occupational skin
sensitization to mercury has been observed in people exposed to mercury in
dental amalgams, tattoos or breakage of medical instruments. Positive patch
tests were obtained in a dentist, five doctors, a nurse's aid, a mercury recycling
employee and a pipeline repairman who had developed of red, dry, itchy skin
(contact dermatitis) following occupational exposure. Previous history of allergies
was not discussed for any of these cases. Skin sensitization to mercury has also
been reported in the general public.
EFFECTS ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Limited information suggests that longterm exposure to mercury vapour can cause inflammation and ulceration of the
inside of the mouth, sore gums, drooling, diarrhea and other effects on the
digestive system. No exposure information is reported, but presumably the
concentrations were high.
EFFECTS ON THE HEART: Mercury may affect the heart producing increased
blood pressure and/or heart rate. Two studies of employees with long-term
exposure to low levels of mercury showed no effects on blood pressure or heart
rhythm, as measured by electrocardiogram (ECG). A few other studies have
shown effects on the heart including increased blood pressure and heart rate and
abnormal ECG results. More deaths due to cardiovascular problems were
observed in employees exposed to mercury in the chlor-alkali industry. These
studies are limited by factors such as exposure to other potentially harmful
chemicals at the same time and weak exposure information.
EFFECTS ON THE IMMUNE AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS: In most studies, effects
on the immune and endocrine systems were not observed in employees exposed
to mercury. However, altered immune response has been suggested in a few
studies.
EFFECTS ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Very little information is available
regarding effects on the respiratory system from long-term exposure. Two
studies reported persistent cough in employees exposed to mercury vapour for