![]() Interpretation can be aided by biological markers (eg, urine porphyrins, β2-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase). Interpretation is relatively straightforward when the results are massivelyĮlevated, but becomes increasingly difficult as concentrations approach the population norms (blood and urine mercury < 10–20 The ranges reported in the literature are broad, with elevations as highĪs 16,000 μg/L in blood and 11,000 μg/L in urine. Is facilitated by comparison to published reports. Interpretation is influenced by the patient’s symptoms and When blood and urine are collected to evaluate exposure, the results are influenced by (a) specimenĬollection, (b) analysis, and (c) the time elapsed from exposure. Patient factors include age, genetics, environmental aspects, and nutritional status, and are responsible for different individual Exposure to mercury can cause adverse health effects, whether from a single exposure to very high levels of mercury (acute exposure) or long term exposure at lower levels.The effects of mercury exposure are determined by: (a) chemical form, (b) route of exposure, (c) dose, and (d) patient factors.Mercury can enter your body in a number of ways.Ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day) if you suspect poisoning.For advice on reducing exposure to mercury from food while pregnant please visit the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (external site). Pregnant women should be aware that a developing baby’s nervous system is particularly sensitive to high levels of mercury through eating certain types of fish. Large carnivorous fish (for example swordfish) can have particularly high levels of mercury because they consume small fish and often have a longer lifespan (allowing more mercury to bioaccumulate). As smaller fish are eaten by bigger fish, the mercury levels can bioaccumulate (build up and increase in concentration in living tissue/organisms) and increase with the size of the fish. Fish feeding in these waters build up mercury in their bodies from the water and plant material. In marine environments, mercury is released into the water from volcanic and seismic (earthquake related) activity. Read more about the WA Poisons Information Centre (external site). If mercury is swallowed by a childĬall the WA Poisons Information Centre (national call centre) on 13 11 26. Ingesting mercury can cause haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bleeding and inflammation of the stomach and intestines) and abdominal pain. Long-term (chronic) inhalation of mercury fumes can cause: fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary oedema).Symptoms may include tremors (shaking) and vision, hearing and memory problems. Your nervous system is particularly sensitive to mercury exposure. whether you have been exposed through eating or drinking, skin contact or inhalation.īoth a single exposure to very high levels of mercury (acute exposure) and long term exposure at lower levels (chronic exposure) can cause adverse health effects as mercury can build up in your body.the form of mercury you have been exposed to.The symptoms of mercury exposure depend on: What are the symptoms of mercury exposure?Įxposure to all forms of mercury at high levels can lead to permanent damage of: through breathing contaminated air (inhalation).by eating contaminated food (ingestion).Mercury can enter your body in a number of ways: compact fluorescent lamps (also known as energy-saving light globes).thermometers and other measuring and control instruments.Mercury is used in a number of production and manufacturing processes including the chemical production of chlorine, caustic soda and disinfectants, and as a catalyst to speed-up chemical reactions. organic mercury, for example methyl mercury.inorganic mercury salts, for example mercuric chloride.Mercury (also known by the chemical symbol ‘Hg’) is an odourless, silver, naturally occurring liquid metal. ScriptCheckWA: Western Australia’s real-time prescription monitoring system.Having a baby in a public country hospital in WA.Ambulance fees for seniors and pensioners.Assistance with travel costs to receive medical care.Telehealth – delivering virtual care closer to home.Screening mammography with BreastScreen WA.Understanding food labels for allergies.Testing or cleaning a house for drug contamination.Alcohol-based hand sanitiser – safe use and storage. ![]() ![]() Fluoride and protecting your teeth from tooth decay.Sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
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