Delayed Use of Dimercaprol in Elemental Mercury Inhalation:Two Case Reports with Severe Pulmonary Injury
Abstract
Mercury inhalation toxicity can cause severe lung damage and may be fatal without appropriate intervention. This article presents two patients who were exposed to elemental mercury during artisanal gold mining and developed shortness of breath with bilateral lung infiltrates. Both patients were administered intramuscular Dimercaprol with a delay. Despite the late intervention, both recovered without sequelae. These cases highlight the potential role of chelation therapy even in the late stage of mercury poisoning.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
Mercury impact and mitigation studies
Poisoning and overdose treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Eurasian Journal of Toxicology
- Volume
- 7
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 69–72
- Publication date
- 10 January 2026