Accidental inhalation of mercury vapor in a child

The special vulnerability of children

The environment in which children grow, play and learn has a profound effect on their health and well-being. Exposures to a polluted indoor environment do not result in the same outcomes for children as for adults because children may be exposed differently, children metabolize some chemicals differently than adults; and children have "windows of vulnerability" while they are growing and developing when their target organs may be more susceptible than the target organs of adults.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Mercury Inhalation: A Case Report

Inhalation of mercury vapor is an uncommon cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome. It may go unnoticed if appropriate environmental/occupational history is not taken. A 2-year-old child presented with severe respiratory distress and progressed to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, necessitating high-pressure mechanical ventilation. On detailed enquiry, history of exposure to mercury fumes was obtained (at home), during gold extraction by the father. Diagnosis of mercury poisoning was confirmed by blood levels, and despite treatment with dimercaprol (mercury chelator) and high-frequency ventilation, the child subsequently succumbed within 26 hours. This case reiterates the need for awareness regarding unusual environmental toxic exposures and need for stricter regulations for sale or use of toxic products.