What you should know about mercury poisoning

Writer: Elyssa Morataya
Published: Updated:
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WINK News responded to the scene of a code orange at Lee Memorial Hospital Thursday evening after at least one person was exposed to mercury at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers.

This situation is now raising questions about mercury exposure.

According to the World Health Organization, mercury is one of the top 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

Mercury releases are usually a result of human activity, such as mining for mercury itself or even gold and other metals.

In Thursday’s situation, at least one person was exposed to a minor mercury spill after a projector light bulb broke during replacement.

Most people are exposed to small amounts of mercury. The CDC states that “mercury has been detected in urine, human breast milk, nails, hair and placenta in individuals in the general population.”

Some of the health effects exposure to mercury may cause include:

  • Irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach
  • cough
  • chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • indecision
  • headache
  • weakness or exhaustion
  • weight loss

If you have been exposed to mercury, call 911 immediately. According to Lee County, often, when poison control is contacted, the patient does not require an EMS response or an emergency room visit.

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