Question
In middle school, I accidentally touched mercury during a physics class and then put my hand in my mouth. Is there a problem?
Answer
Acute mercury poisoning is primarily caused by the ingestion of mercuric compounds such as mercuric chloride. Patients may experience acute corrosive stomatitis and gastroenteritis within minutes to tens of minutes after ingestion. Symptoms include burning pain in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea. The vomit and stool may contain blood-streaked mucus and sloughed necrotic tissue. Patients may also suffer from peripheral circulatory collapse and gastrointestinal perforation. Acute renal failure can occur within 3 to 4 days (in severe cases, within 24 hours). Liver damage may also be present. Inhaling high concentrations of mercury vapor can cause fever, chemical tracheobronchitis, and pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure, and acute renal failure may also occur. Skin contact with mercury and its compounds can cause contact dermatitis, which has a allergic reaction nature. The rash is erythematous papules, which can merge into plaques or form blisters, leaving shallow hyperpigmentation after healing.