Mercury PoisoningBy: Taylor Ramsey

and Betsy Miller

Mercury Poisoning Chemical Make-Up

Symbol: HgAtomic Number: 80Transition metalDepending on phase

that it is in, it can be safe or dangerous

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

Psychological Disturbances- angry fits and short term memory loss

Oral Cavity Problems- inflammation of the mouth and bleeding of gums

Digestive Track Problems- cramps and diarrhea

Cardiovascular Problems- weak pulse and chest pain

Neurological Problems- headaches and vertigo

Where can you find Mercury?

Dental fillings (Amalgam)

Fish

Industrious/ work places (paint)

Thermometer

Cosmetics

Case Study 1

June 8, 1997 Karen Wetterhahn, a professor at Dartmouth University, died of mercury poisoning

A year earlier, she was experimenting with dimethyl mercury and spilled some on her hands

She was wearing gloves but they were not enough protection from the dangerous compound

Started having symptoms of mercury poisoning

When tested she had 80 times the lethal dose of mercury

Her death heightened awareness of using the adequate amount of protection during experiments

Case Study 2

Many Chinese factory workers have been poisoned by mercury, which is part of the compact fluorescent light bulbs

Each factory worker must handle mercury in either solid or liquid form because it is necessary for the chemical reaction for the light bulb to work

Fun fact:During the 1800’s Hat maker's used to treat the felt and beaver fur that lined the hats. Overtime, the exposure to the Mercury began to changes in their bodies, causing their behavior to become erratic and so people began to use the expression “mad as a hatter.” In fact, author Lewis Carroll (1832-98) created a character for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland that owes its origins to the symptoms of mercury poisoning: The Mad Hatter.

Bibliography

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211261.ece

http://www.medicinenet.com/mercury_poisoning/article.htm

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/home/tribute/karen.html