It then is involved in a reaction with oral bacteria which produce sulfides. Other metals also produce this phenomenon, but with differing colors for the deposit. Toxicity from inorganic lead can be treated with chelators, but organic lead compounds such as tetra-ethyl lead produces a similar symptomology, but cannot be treated with these agents because they already have formed strong ligands with their organic constituents. The alkyl lead eventually is converted to inorganic lead, which can be treated with the chelators. This form of mercury is found in a variety of environmental pollution situations and can produce a range of toxicities.
Elemental mercury is less labile but produces a similar set of toxic manifestations.
In the GI tract, acute poisoning produces a sloughing away of the mucosa to an extent where pieces of the intestinal mucosa can be found in the stools. This produces a large loss of fluids and electrolytes. Mercury also breaks down barriers in the capillaries. This results in edema throughout the body. The expression 'Mad as a Hatter' originates from the hatmakers of the 19th century who were chronically exposed to mercury compounds used in making felt hats.