Question
While taking a body temperature, the thermometer was bitten and half of the mercury was ingested. The inquiry is about methods to expel the mercury and its effects on future pregnancy and the fetus.
Answer
Mercury is a silver-white liquid metal that evaporates at room temperature. Mercury poisoning is most commonly chronic, primarily occurring in industrial activities due to long-term inhalation of mercury vapor and mercury compound dust. Treatment methods include gastric lavage, oral consumption of raw egg whites, milk, or activated carbon, as well as the use of antidotes such as sodium thiosulfate and sodium bisulfite. The diagnosis of chronic mercury poisoning should emphasize the history of exposure, and establish based on occupational history, clinical manifestations, and urine or blood mercury levels. During treatment, attention should be paid to water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, and hemodialysis or hemoperfusion should be carried out early to reduce the toxicity of mercury to the human body. In industrial settings, it should be avoided to inhale high concentrations of mercury vapor, and the workshop temperature should be kept appropriate. At the same time, the workshop should be cleaned regularly to reduce the adhesion and evaporation of mercury on surfaces.