Mental instability, dizziness, numbness in the limbs and personality changes such as nervousness, increased excitability or insomnia may occur after exposure to mercury vapors. The history of mercury and its toxic effects date back to the fifteenth century B.C. Criminals sentenced to work in mercury mines had a life expectancy of three years. Children are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury. In pregnant women, mercury easily crosses the placental barrier and concentrates in the fetus more readily than in the mother. Thus, a pregnant woman exposed to toxic levels of mercury may not exhibit any signs of mercury poisoning, but her child may be born with brain damage similar to cerebral palsy.
Children develop the symptoms of mercury poisoning more quickly and severely than adults.
Neurological symptoms are very similar to those seen in adults. Children also may develop a bright red reash with sheets of peeling skin. Exposure to mercury also may occur by moving into a mercury-contaminated home, children playing with mercury, or exposing oneself through a hobby. Contact a physician immediately, before any symptoms develop, if it is felt that a potentially serious exposure has taken place. If a person is found to be exposed, other people who may have been exposed, such as family members, might be checked for contamination.