11 people suspected mercury poisoning after Rang Dong fire: How was the poisoning manifest?

12 people suspected of mercury poisoning

In the afternoon of August 30, at a press conference at the Poison Control Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center, recorded 10 reporters and 2 people coming to the clinic for symptoms. headache is dizziness, headache, dizziness, mercury poisoning suspected.

"The mercury results in the blood of 11 normal patients, one with no results. But it is necessary to get enough urine to be tested further for sure. Because the urine test is a relatively standard test.

Reporters are not a high-risk group. Because there is no direct involvement in putting out the fire, the risk of reporters breathing in mercury gas is low, "said Dr. Nguyen.

Manifestations of mercury poisoning

Mercury is a heavy metal with silver luster, used in thermometers, manometers and other scientific devices. Although a less toxic liquid element, its compounds and salts are very toxic. Even when the body is exposed to or inhaled mercury, the high risk also causes damage to the brain and liver.

Usually, because the amount of mercury in the environment is not high, the situation of mercury poisoning will accumulate in the long run. However, the sudden appearance of any of the following symptoms may be a sign of acute poisoning.

Mercury can affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as:

- Suspense or anxiety, depression

- Irritability or mood swings

- Numbness

- Memory problems

- Shaky hands and feet

As mercury levels in the body increase, many symptoms will appear, depending on the age and exposure level of each person. Adults with mercury poisoning may experience symptoms such as:

- Weakness

- There is a metallic taste in the mouth

- Nausea and vomiting

- Lack of motor skills or coordination, difficulty walking or standing upright

- No sensation in hands, face or other areas

- Changes in vision, hearing or speech

- Shortness of breath.

If you find yourself or a relative with these symptoms and suspect you have mercury poisoning, go to the hospital for immediate examination and medical care.

A mercury blood test will confirm whether or not a patient has mercury poisoning.

Patients may have symptoms like these but mercury blood levels are not high can confirm mercury toxicity.

Breathing other toxic gases in the smoke of a fire may also cause the aforementioned symptoms.

At the current medical facility, if mercury poisoning is confirmed the patient will be detoxified with medication.

If after the acute poisoning stage without treatment will turn to stage of fullness. Mercury toxicity can cause neurological damage, affecting liver and kidney function.