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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

Published on: December 17, 2018

Occupational Metallic Mercury Poisoning in Gilders.

M Vahabzadeh¹, M Balali-Mood

¹Medical Toxicology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. vahabzadehm80@gmail.com.

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

|April 27, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Occupational mercury poisoning can occur during shrine gilding. Prompt chelating therapy led to clinical recovery and reduced mercury levels in three patients.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Occupational Medicine
Toxicology

Background:

Elemental mercury vapor inhalation is a common route for occupational exposure.
Gilding of shrines using elemental mercury poses a risk in some Islamic cities.
Adverse health effects are associated with mercury vapor exposure.

Observation:

Three male patients (aged 20-53) presented with neuro-psychiatric symptoms after shrine gilding.
Symptoms included anxiety, memory and concentration loss, and sleep disturbances.
High urinary mercury concentrations (326-760 μg/L) were detected 3-10 days post-exposure cessation.

Findings:

Patients were diagnosed with occupational metallic mercury poisoning.
Chelating therapy resulted in clinical recovery.
Urinary mercury levels decreased to non-toxic levels (<25 μg/L) after treatment.

Implications:

Highlights the toxicity risks of elemental mercury during gilding in enclosed spaces.
Stresses the need for awareness among health, environmental, and labor authorities.
Emphasizes the importance of protective measures for gilders to prevent mercury poisoning.