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 (Hg0) vapor may volatilize 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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-8 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Family and Community Health |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2002 |
Keywords
- Children
- Family poisoning
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Mercury vapor inhalation
- Metallic mercury
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health