MERCURY TOXICITY AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Mercury is an element that has been known for at least 4000 years (Chang 1985). It is a metal that is liquid at room temperatures and is widely used in our modern society. Today, the unique chemical and physical properties of mercury are widely used in industry, agriculture, medicine, mining, dentistry and other areas of everyday life. Some of these are used in the manufacture or processing of felt, fireworks, batteries, blackening brass, photography pigments for rubber and plastics, wine colouring and medicine. Medical compounds comprised of 75 % of the list and included antibacterial, antiseptic, topical anaesthetic, immunosuppressant, anti-infective and fungicide, diuretic, cathartic and preservative agents. There are two goals to treatment. First, get rid of the mercury, second, control symptoms so you can be comfortable and productive during the prolonged period when mercury is removed and healing takes place. In order to control the symptoms it is necessary to identify the metabolic defects mercury is causing for you.