Mercury is not only a substance used in thermometers and sphygmomanometers but it is also an element as described in the periodic table with an atomic number 8o and symbol of Hg. It is called as quicksilver too. Formerly it was named as hydrargyrum. It is really important to get aware of its properties as it can be fatal when exposed in high amounts. It has been used for useful clinical purposes, but when comes to overdose it can be very dangerous and critical to treat.
Is mercury toxic?
Yes, mercury is a toxic substance when it exceeds its safe limit. It can lead to drastic effects on human body. The main organs affected are brain, lungs, and liver. It can also damage kidneys. The gastrointestinal system of the body is least affected due to its poor absorbance from the gut. That is why the cases of mercury poisoning by intake are treated well. It has its toxic abilities because it vaporizes quickly at room temperature. When these vapors are inhaled the first enter the lungs and from there via blood, it reaches to the brain. The brain is the central point of the human body. As it simultaneously reaches the brain, it can cause irreplaceable effects on the human body.
Why has mercury been called as “neurotoxic”?
The substances which affect the central nervous system are named as neurotoxic. Mercury is labeled as one of them because it has the ability to cross the “blood-brain barrier”. It makes it a very dangerous substance. Once it reaches the brain it can cause immense damage by disturbing the sensory and motor signals throughout the body. It can cross the blood-brain barrier due to the presence of the CH3-Hg compound. Such chemistry makes to cause lethal biological effects.
After effects of mercury neurotoxicity
After crossing the blood-brain barrier mercury is free to affect different parts of the brain. Overall it can cause:
- Impairment of body senses
- parathesis
- ataxia
- tremors
- hearing loss
- diplopia
- vomiting and nausea
These symptoms altogether destroy the normal brain functioning. To be more precise is mercury is also called as ” methylmercury”.
How can you get poisoned by mercury?
As it is a very toxic and easily available substance, humans are exposed to it every time. Following are the ways which can let the mercury enter your body.
- Swallowed accidentally from a thermometer
- Eating a contaminated and poorly cooked fish
- If you touch it can also pass through the skin
- When vaporizes, can easily be inhaled
- Mercury gas can also be present in polluted atmospheres
- Treatment
As it is a fatal substance its poisoning has to be treated efficiently. the most approved method is ” chelating method”. The chelator most commonly used is DMSA ( dimercapto-1 propanesulfonic acid). It is approved by FDA for treatment of mercury poisoning. As it is neurotoxic it requires long-term chelating therapy to get rid of it. The best way is to prevent mercury exposure.
In conclusion
To summarise, mercury is a neurotoxic substance. As the brain is the fundamental organ one has to be very conscious regarding mercury exposure. It can affect whole of your senses and perception skills. One should keep a record of an amount of mercury in their blood. If it exceeds one should go for chelating therapy. Prevention is better than cure in the case of mercury.
