Sensitive indicators of inorganic mercury toxicity

Journal Article · · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1986.9938335· OSTI ID:6787574

Rosenman, K D; Valciukas, J A; Glickman, L; Meyers, B R; Cinotti, A

Forty-two workers from a chemical plant producing inorganic mercury compounds were evaluated for neurologic, nephrotic, and ophthalomogic toxicity. Despite elevated blood and urinary mercury levels, routine clinical testing such as physical examination, blood chemistries, and urinalysis were generally normal. These findings from the routine examination are in contrast to the complaints of neuropsychological symptoms, elevated urinary n-acetyl B-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) levels, decreased motor nerve conduction velocities, and the presence of lenticular opacities on slit-lamp examination that were found, when organ systems known to be affected by mercury were targeted. More sensitive but objective indicators of toxicity need to be included in routine medical screening so as to help diagnose the etiology of neuropsychological symptoms and prevent long-term sequelae in workers exposed to mercury.

• Research Organization: New Jersey Dept. of Health, Trenton
• OSTI ID: 6787574
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 41:4; ISSN AEHLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550900 -- Pathology
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BLOOD
BODY FLUIDS
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
ETIOLOGY
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRY
MATERIALS
MERCURY
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
SYMPTOMS
TOXICITY
URINE
WASTES