Overview
Systemic mercury poisoning occurs when mercury—a toxic heavy metal—enters the body in significant amounts, affecting multiple organ systems. Mercury exposure can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Because mercury accumulates in the body and disrupts vital biochemical processes, poisoning can cause severe and long-term damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to prevent permanent harm.
What is Systemic Mercury Poisoning?
Systemic mercury poisoning is a condition in which mercury spreads throughout the body and causes widespread toxicity. Mercury exists in several forms—elemental, inorganic, and organic (such as methylmercury)—each with different exposure routes and toxicity patterns. Once absorbed, mercury can bind to proteins and enzymes, disrupting cellular functions. The brain, kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract are especially vulnerable.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type and duration of exposure but may include:
- Tremors and muscle weakness
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, mood swings, and anxiety
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or around the mouth
- Visual and hearing disturbances
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Kidney dysfunction
- Unsteady gait and coordination problems
Causes
- Occupational exposure (mining, battery production, thermometer manufacturing)
- Consumption of contaminated seafood (especially large predatory fish with high methylmercury content)
- Use of mercury-containing cosmetics or traditional medicines
- Inhalation of mercury vapors from broken thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, or industrial processes
- Environmental contamination from industrial waste
Risk Factors
- Working in industries involving mercury
- Living near mining or industrial sites releasing mercury
- Frequent consumption of high-mercury fish
- Using unregulated herbal or skin-lightening products containing mercury
- Children and pregnant women (due to increased sensitivity of developing nervous systems)
Complications
- Permanent neurological damage
- Cognitive impairment and memory loss
- Kidney failure
- Vision and hearing loss
- Developmental delays in children exposed prenatally
- Immune system dysfunction
- In severe cases, death
Prevention
- Avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel
- Use protective equipment in workplaces with mercury exposure
- Dispose of mercury-containing products safely
- Avoid unregulated cosmetics and herbal remedies
- Follow environmental safety regulations to limit mercury release
Treatment Options in Korea
In South Korea, systemic mercury poisoning is managed through:
- Hospital-based detoxification in specialized toxicology or occupational medicine units
- Chelation therapy with agents such as dimercaprol (BAL), DMSA, or DMPS to bind mercury and facilitate excretion
- Supportive care to stabilize kidney, liver, and nervous system function
- Monitoring and follow-up with blood and urine mercury levels
- Nutritional support to improve detoxification capacity
- Specialized rehabilitation for neurological recovery in severe cases
Major hospitals in Seoul, Busan, and other cities, such as Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center, have advanced toxicology services for diagnosing and treating heavy metal poisoning.
