[The toxic effect of mercury in occupational exposure]

Abstract

The paper addresses the problems of environmental and occupational exposures to mercury compounds. Mercury and its compounds are very toxic. Occupational exposure and environmental pollution are the major sources of hazard to human health. Metallic mercury evaporates at room temperature producing inorganic and organic compounds, and forms amalgams with many metals. In more than 50 professions, workers may be exposed to mercury, particularly in the mining and chemical industries and in agriculture. Occupational poisoning is rarely acute but it is usually chronic. The symptoms result from the damage to the central nervous system, and the kidney, as well as from the impairment of erythrocyte metabolism, coagulation and immune response. Mercury may also induce allergic reactions. Chronic mercury poisoning is diagnosed on the basis of the clinical picture in the presence of the occupational exposure. Inorganic mercury poisoning is treated specifically with chelating agents.