Poisoning caused by the consumption of organomercury-dressed seed in Iraq

In 1971-72, a large outbreak of poisoning caused by the consumption of seed dressed with organomercury compound occurred in Iraq. International assistance was requested by the Government of Iraq in investigating this outbreak. The results of the investigations to date were presented at the Conference on Intoxication due to Alkylmercury Treated Seed, held in Baghdad, Iraq on 9-13 November 1974. This paper summarizes the main findings and recommendations of the Conference.