Citation

Cherry D, Lowry L, Velez L, Cotrell C, Keyes DC. Fam. Community Health 2002; 24(4): 1-8.

Affiliation

University of Texas Health Center, Tyler, Texas, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11772345

Abstract

Mercury poisoning in children is rare but may have devastating health consequences when exposure is unrecognized. Mercury occurs in three forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. Elemental mercury (Hg(0)) vapor may become volatile following an accidental spill and may be readily absorbed from the lungs. The following case study describes how the poison center, health department, physicians, and others worked together to treat a family with long-term exposure to elemental mercury vapor in the home. Identification and prevention of this type of exposure in the community are discussed.

Language: en