Abstract
Introduction: Mercury is a heavy metal widely dispersed in nature, occurring in three chemical forms. Exposure to mercury at work sites and even at home may be clinically significant.
Objective: To update the knowledge about the risks of this toxic element.
Case Report: the case of a teenager and his family poisoned by elemental mercury is reported. The diagnostic process was difficult, mainly due to an initial presumption of probable infectious etiology, unavailability of key anamnestic data and unusual clinical behavior, with signs and symptoms of multisystem compromise (neurological, hepatic, renal and dermatological compromise).
Discussion: The study was based on literature review of various clinical presentations regarding this poisoning and its management, emphasizing the need for dimercaptosuccinic acid chelator. As a major public health problem, the importance of education and implementation of public policies to have a mercury-free environment is discussed.
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