Report on a case of significant increase in urine mercury due to excessive mercury in cosmetics / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Mercury is highly toxic and can be absorbed through skin contact. From December 5, 2020 to February 16, 2021, occupational disease laboratory of the First People's Hospital of Baiyin received 30 urine mercury test samples from a beauty salon in Lanzhou City. The test results showed that 28 samples exceeded the normal value (normal value: 4 μg/g Cr) . 15 patients were treated with sodium dimertopropyl sulfonate for mercury removal and tiopron for liver protection, and the prognosis was good.

Comparing three methods for detection of urinary mercury / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To compare the advantages and disadvantages and application range of three methods for detection of urinary mercury. These methods include alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption spectrometry, acid stannous chloride cold atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. METHODS: The detection limits, accuracy and precision in these three methods were compared. RESULTS: The alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method and acidic stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method had a wide linear range(1.000-10.000 μg/L). The detection limit was high(0.265 and 0.556 μg/L, respectively). The atomic fluorescence spectrometry had the narrowest linear range(0.400-2.000 μg/L) and the lowest detection limit(0.048 μg/L). The average spiked recoveries of the above three methods were 95.93%-101.02%, 92.49%-98.72% and 95.96%-99.57%. The relative standard deviations within and between batches of these three methods were less than 5.00%. The addition recovery of organic mercury by alkaline cold chloride atomic absorption method was 80.91%. The recoveries of inorganic mercury and organic mercury by other methods were close to 100.00%. CONCLUSION: All three methods meet the daily needs of detecting urinary mercury. Among them, alkaline stannous chloride cold atomic absorption method is suitable for promotion in primary laboratories as a preliminary screening method. The atomic fluorescence spectrometry is suitable for the detection of microscale and trace amount of urinary mercury.

Methodological evaluation of urinary mercury detection using Zeeman atomic absorption mercury analyzer / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the method for detection of urinary mercury using a Zeeman atomic absorption mercury analyzer and to provide a reference for selecting a convenient method for mercury detection in experiments and clinical diagnoses. Methods Urinary mercury was detected by Zeeman atomic absorption spectroscopy (ZAAS) and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS), and the detection limit, accuracy, precision and consistency of the two methods were compared. Results The Data collected by ZAAS and HG-AAS showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0 -1000 ng/mL (ZASS, R2 =1. 0000) and 0 -20 ng/mL (HG-AAS, R2 =0. 9990). The detection limits of ZAAS was 0. 156 ng/mL and that of HG-AAS was 1. 593 ng/mL, indicating that ZAAS is more sensitive. The recovery rate of standard addition of ZAAS was between 97. 5％ and 103. 2％, and that of HG-AAS was between 95. 6％ and 104. 5％. After measurement of 10 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL mercury standard solutions repeated for 10 times, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of ZAAS was 0. 30％ and 0. 36％ respectively, and the RSD of HG-AAS was 2. 82％ and 1. 11％, respectively. The accuracy and precision of both the two method met the standards of GBZ/T 210. 5-2008, and the precision of ZAAS was better. A total of 30 urine samples were measured by these two methods. The results were compared with paired-samples t-test and showed a non-significant difference (P ＞ 0. 05), indicating a high consistency of these two method (R2 =0. 9961). Conclusions ZAAS is a convenient and accurate method for the detection of urinary mercury, with a relatively low detection limit and better precision.

Analysis on the characteristics of DMPS in the treatment of patients with increased urinary mercury / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate( DMPS) in the treatment of patients with increased urinary mercury. METHODS: By random sampling method,68 patients with elevated urinary mercury were chosen as study subjects. Among them,61 cases were observation subjects working with mercury and 7 cases were chronic occupational mild mercury poisoning. DMPS was used to eliminate mercury by intramuscular injection. The changes of urinary mercury level were observed before and after treatment,and the curative effect was analyzed. RESULTS: The median( the 25 th and 75 th percentiles) of natural voiding urinary mercury was 36. 6( 28. 4,55. 6) μmol / mol creatinine and 24 hours total urine mercury amount was 1 074. 7( 608. 0,1 646. 3) μg / d in the first course of treatment.After 1 to 8 courses of mercury expulsion,the 24 hours total urine mercury amount in 68 patients were lower than the normal reference level( 45. 0 μg / d). The median( the 25 th and 75 th percentiles) of one-time morning urinary mercury level before hospital discharge was 2. 7( 1. 8,4. 0) μmol / mol creatinin,which was lower than the level of natural voiding urinary mercury( P < 0. 05). The first and second course of treatment resulted in the highest decline in urinary mercury,followed by a gradually decreased in urinary mercury in later courses. The number of treatment courses in observation subjects working with mercury was less than that in patients with chronic mild mercury poisoning [( 4. 0 ± 1. 3) vs( 5. 6 ±1. 1) times,P < 0. 05]. There was a positive correlation between the number of treatment courses and the level of natural voiding urinary mercury or 24 hours total urine mercury amount in the first course of treatment( P < 0. 01). The number of courses of mercury expulsion was not related to gender,length of service and age( P > 0. 05). One patient had dizziness and pale after intramuscular injection of DMPS,the symptom was disappeared with symptomatic treatment; 68 patients after treatment have no other adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Using DMPS as mercury displacement treatment was effective and relatively safe. The change of urinary mercury after DMPS treatment can be used as a basis for establishing clinical standard for patients with increased urinary mercury.

Impact of amalgam removal on urinary mercury concentration in children: a pilot study / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of dental amalgam, a restorative material, on children by measuring the mercury concentration in the urine as well as the number of teeth filled with dental amalgam. METHODS: Twenty children enrolled in grades 1-4 of two elementary schools in Daegu participated in this study. One trained dentist performed oral examinations and removed amalgam restorations from the teeth with a high and low speed handpiece. In order to measure the urinary mercury concentrations, urine samples were collected from all participants at baseline and immediately and 24 hours after removal of the dental amalgam restorations. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth from which the amalgam restorations was removed was 9.8 while the mean urinary mercury concentrations at baseline, immediately, and 24 hours after removal of dental amalgam restorations were 2.66, 2.76, and 2.76 microg/g creatinine, respectively. The mean urinary mercury concentration increased consistently after amalgam restoration removal. For those participants whose removed amalgamated surfaces were more than 11, the mean urinary mercury concentration immediately after amalgam restoration removal and 24 hours after removal increased consistently but showed no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that dental amalgam restoration was related to urinary mercury concentration, and these findings present a possibility of mercury accumulation in the body. Therefore, we suggest future longitudinal studies to ensure the safety of children exposed to mercury by establishing criteria for amalgam removal.

Mercury Exposure among Garbage Workers in Southern Thailand

OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine mercury levels in urine samples from garbage workers in Southern Thailand, and 2) to describe the association between work characteristics, work positions, behavioral factors, and acute symptoms; and levels of mercury in urine samples. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted by interviewing 60 workers in 5 hazardous-waste-management factories, and 60 matched non-exposed persons living in the same area of Southern Thailand. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer. RESULTS: The hazardous-waste workers' urinary mercury levels (10.07 microg/g creatinine) were significantly higher than the control group (1.33 microg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene, were significantly associated with urinary mercury level (p < 0.001). The workers developed acute symptoms - of headaches, nausea, chest tightness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness at least once a week - and those who developed symptoms had significantly higher urinary mercury levels than those who did not, at p < 0.05. A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary mercury levels included hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask, trousers, and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work, washed hands before lunch, and washed hands after work). CONCLUSION: Changing garbage workers' hygiene habits can reduce urinary mercury levels. Personal hygiene is important, and should be stressed in education programs. Employers should institute engineering controls to reduce urinary mercury levels among garbage workers.

Mercury Exposure among Garbage Workers in Southern Thailand

OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine mercury levels in urine samples from garbage workers in Southern Thailand, and 2) to describe the association between work characteristics, work positions, behavioral factors, and acute symptoms; and levels of mercury in urine samples. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted by interviewing 60 workers in 5 hazardous-waste-management factories, and 60 matched non-exposed persons living in the same area of Southern Thailand. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer. RESULTS: The hazardous-waste workers' urinary mercury levels (10.07 microg/g creatinine) were significantly higher than the control group (1.33 microg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene, were significantly associated with urinary mercury level (p < 0.001). The workers developed acute symptoms - of headaches, nausea, chest tightness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness at least once a week - and those who developed symptoms had significantly higher urinary mercury levels than those who did not, at p < 0.05. A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary mercury levels included hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask, trousers, and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work, washed hands before lunch, and washed hands after work). CONCLUSION: Changing garbage workers' hygiene habits can reduce urinary mercury levels. Personal hygiene is important, and should be stressed in education programs. Employers should institute engineering controls to reduce urinary mercury levels among garbage workers.

Exposición ambiental al mercurio y valores en orina de los habitantes de la comunidad Boca de Yaracuy: ubicada en la costa centro-norte de Venezuela / Enviromental expossure to mercury and urine values in inhabitants from Boca de Yaracuy community in the Venezuela north central coast

El objetivo de esta investigación fue relacionar la concentración de mercurio urinario de 100 residentes de la comunidad Boca de Yaracuy (zona costera del Estado Carabobo-Venezuela) con los niveles mercuriales encontrados en pescado, agua y sedimento provenientes del Caño El Alpargatón. Durante el estudio fueron captados 4 peces, 2 muestras de agua y tres de sedimento y analizadas por absorción atómica. La media de los niveles de mercurio en la orina de los individuos analizados fue de 3,62 ± 1,09 µg/g creatinina, ubicandose por debajo del valor límites establecido por la Agencia para sustancias tóxicas y registro de enfermedades, Conferencia americana de higienistas industriales gubernamentales y la Organización Mundial de la Salud, además de las Gacetas oficiales venezolanas N° 5382 y 5021. En las muestras ambientales provenientes del Caño. El Alpargatón, no se encontraron niveles elevados de mercurio, así como ausencia de intoxicación por mercurio en sus habitantes. Se requieren de nuevas investigaciones que abarquen un mayor número de elementos que faciliten un mejor abordaje de la contaminación mercurial.

The aim study was to relate the concentration of urinary mercury than 100 residents of the Community Boca Yaracuy (Carabobo state coastal-Venezuela) with mercury levels found in fish, water and sediment from the Caño Alpargatón. During the study were caught 4 fish, 2 samples of water and three samples of sedimentand, analyzed by atomic absorption. The average mercury levels in urine of individuals analyzed was 3,62 ± 1.09 mg/g creatinine, ranking below the limits set by the Agency for toxic substance and disease registry, American conference of gubernamental industrial hygienists, the World Health Organization and the Venezuela Official Gazettes N°5382 and 5021. In environmental samples from the Caño Alpargaton not were found elevanted levels of mercury and mercury poisoning absence of its inhabitants. Further investigations are needed to cover a larger number of elements to be a better approach to mercury pollution.

The clinical analysis of mercury poisoning in 92 cases / 中华内科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical features of mercury poisoning diagnosed by blood and urine tests for improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.Methods Poisoning causes,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis were retrospectively reviewed in 92 in-patients with mercury poisoning in our hospital from January 2000 to April 2010.Results Of the 92 patients,37 were male and 55 were female with an average age of 33.1(2-65)years old.The mercury poisoning was caused by occupational exposure and non-occupational exposure,such as iatrogenic exposure,life exposure and wrong intake or suicidal intake of mercury-containing substances,mainly through respiratory tract,digestive tract and skin absorption.The most common clinical symptoms were as the followings:nervous system symptom,such as memory loss in 50 eases(54.3%),fatigue in 34(37.0%),numb limb in 25 (27.2%),dizziness and headache in 22(23.9%),cacesthesia in 20(21.7%),fine tremor(finger tip,tongue tip,eyelids)in 15(16.3%),insomnia and more dreams in 12(13.0%);gastrointestinal symptoms:nausea in 16 (17.4%),abdominal pain in 14(15.2%),stomatitis in 5(5.4%);joint and muscle symptoms:muscle pain in 16(17.4%),joint pain in 5(5.4%);cardiovaseular system:chest tightness,hean palpitations in 6(6.5%);urinary system:edema in 9(9.8%);other system:hidrosis in 20(21.7%).After the treatment with sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS),the symptoms were gradually alleviated.Their gastrointestinal,cardiovascular symptoms were alleviated within 2 weeks;neurological symptoms were alleviated within 3 months;kidney damage showed a slower recovery and could be completely'alleviated within 6 months.Conclusions Because of its diverse clinical symptoms,the mercury poisoning was easy to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis:therefore the awareness of the disease should be further enhanced.Leaving from the poisoning environment timely and giving appropriate treatment with DMPS will lead to a satisfactory prognosis.