Danger in the Classroom: Elemental Mercury Poisoning in Primary School Students

Background: Mercury is a heavy metal that has the potential to exert a deleterious effect on human health. The purpose of this article is threefold: firstly, to raise awareness of the issue; secondly, to offer solutions; and thirdly, to contribute to the existing literature on the subject by examining cases of elemental mercury poisoning that occurred in a primary school.

Methods: In 2019, 34 cases of mercury poisoning due to mercury bottle (used in the laboratory) spillage in a primary school were examined, and control examinations were performed in 2024.

Results: The demographic composition of the cases was as follows: 58.8% of the subjects were male, with an average age of 9 years. The research revealed that 47.1% of cases were exposed to elemental mercury for a period of 4 days, 76.5% of cases involved manual contact with mercury, 82.4% of cases presented symptoms, the mean blood mercury level was 46.62 μg/L, and 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS) treat ment was administered to the cases.

Conclusion: Elevated blood mercury levels were found to be associated with more severe clinical mani festations. The study concluded that a 7-day intravenous administration of DMPS exhibited a high degree of therapeutic efficacy. In order to prevent poisoning from mercury and similar substances in educational establishments, it is essential to raise awareness of toxic substances, establish emergency chemical safety and medical health protocols, and prohibit the use of toxic substances such as mercury and devices containing these substances.

Cite this article as: Vural T, Kök AN, Ural B, Kılınç BB. Danger in the classroom: elemental mercury poisoning in primary school students. Eurasian J Med. 2025, 57(4), 1062, doi: 10.5152/ eurasianjmed.2025.251062.