OBJECTIVES To review the characteristics of the consultation about the management of mercury exposure and identify the controversial issues on the clinical management of individuals with a history of mercury exposure. DESIGN Descriptive case series. SETTING Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS Persons consulting the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre about individ...

Mercury has been a known as a toxic substance for centuries. Whilst the clinical features of acute mercury poisoning have been well described, chronic low dose exposure to mercury remains poorly characterised and its potential role in various chronic disease states remains controversial. Low molecular weight thiols, i.e. sulfhydryl containing molecules such as cysteine, are emerging as importan...

The historical items pertaining to mercury are outlined, and its toxicity and former medicinal uses are discussed. The diversity of the toxic effects by the different forms of mercury as well as the routes of administration are illustrated in three case reports. The importance of diaphoresis in the treatment of mercury poisoning as well as the status of the use of chelating agents are reviewed....