[Acute accidental poisoning by mercury vapors in the home environment]

The authors report 2 cases of acute mercury intoxication due to accidental breakage of barometer on to a lit gas ring. Within 24-48 hours the subjects developed neurological, gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms. A 24-hour urine sample contained 600 and 400 micrograms of mercury per liter respectively (reference value 0.1-6.9 micrograms/L); blood concentration of mercury was 130 and 100 micrograms per liter (reference value 1.7-9.9 micrograms/L). The patients were treated with penicillamine and daily excretion of mercury was monitored. The residual sources of pollution in the kitchen were identified and bonificated.