Methyl mercury can be measured in blood or hair specimens. Collection
of these specimens requires special mercury-free collection materials
and careful contamination control. Testing is often conducted in
a research setting. In the general population, the mercury levels
in hair are usually 1 ppm or less.
The most effective and important step in treating mercury poisoning
is to identify the mercury source and ending the exposure. Children
who have had mercury poisoning should have periodic follow-up neurologic
examinations by a pediatrician.
The FDA has not approved a chelating agent that is effective for
methyl mercury poisoning. However, chelation has been used in cases
of severe intoxication. (Chelating agents are organic chemicals
that form two or more coordination links with an mercury ion. Once
coordination has occurred, the complex formed is called a chelate.)
Compared with other forms of mercury, organic mercury is far more
resistant to removal from the body. Chelation therapy for organic
mercury intoxication can be harmful. The agent dimercaprol used
in treatment appears to increase brain mercury concentrations and
is therefore makes organic mercury poisoning treatment a risky process.
The chelator shown to be most effective for treatment of severe
organic mercury poisoning is succimer. Recent data have also suggested
that the drug n-Acetylcysteine is an effective antidote for methyl
mercury poisoning.
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