AnnaMaria
Mercury, known for being a shiny liquid metal at room temperature, is most familiar from old thermometers and certain equipment. While even skin contact can be hazardous, injecting mercury directly into the bloodstream is extremely rare—and potentially deadly.
This real-life case offers a sobering look at what can happen, how it was treated, and why awareness is so important.
The Case: Mercury Injected Into a Vein
A 21-year-old dental assistant attempted suicide by injecting 10 milliliters (about 135 grams) of liquid mercury into her vein. She quickly developed rapid breathing, a dry cough, and started coughing up blood. When doctors took a chest X-ray, they saw that the mercury had spread throughout her lungs, following the blood vessels—especially in the lower areas.
After a week in the hospital, her breathing problems improved and she was discharged. She continued treatment at home for nine months, taking dimercaprol (a medication that helps the body get rid of heavy metals). Even so, tests showed that her body was still holding onto the mercury, with little change in her urine mercury levels.
Surprisingly, ten months after the incident, she had no issues with her kidneys, digestive system, or nervous system. However, the mercury remained visible in her lungs on X-rays.
How Mercury Affects the Body
Mercury is extremely toxic. Injecting it into the bloodstream allows it to quickly reach various organs, causing serious damage. In this case, most of the mercury became trapped in the lungs, leading to severe breathing issues and bleeding. The patient was fortunate not to suffer lasting damage to her kidneys or brain, which is common in mercury poisoning cases.
Treatment and Recovery
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Immediate hospitalization is needed to manage life-threatening symptoms and monitor organ function.
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Dimercaprol was prescribed to help remove mercury from her system, though it did not significantly reduce her body’s mercury levels in this case.
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Despite persistent X-ray changes, the patient did not experience long-term harm to her major organs.
What This Case Teaches Us
1. Injecting Non-Medical Substances Is Extremely Dangerous
Putting foreign substances like mercury into the body can have unpredictable and severe consequences.
2. Medical Emergencies Require Fast Action
If anyone is exposed to a toxic substance or attempts self-harm, immediate medical care is vital for the best chance of recovery.
3. Mental Health Matters
A suicide attempt signals the need for urgent psychological and emotional support. Anyone in crisis should reach out for professional help and connect with people who care.
Just that—this unusual case highlights both the risks of mercury poisoning and the importance of early medical and mental health intervention. While this patient survived without major long-term damage, such incidents can easily become fatal. Prevention, education, and access to support are crucial for everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
