Video Lecture From Mad Hatters to Thimerosal: The Truth about Mercury Poisoning

This lecture provides a historical perspective on mercury poisoning, some of the different commercial uses of mercury, and sources for human exposure to mercury. It also summarizes signs and symptoms of chronic and acute mercury poisoning, treatment, and laboratory tests to diagnose mercury poisoning. The attendee should be able to understand environmental and commercial exposure to mercury and the different myths and controversies regarding mercury found in common household appliances such as thermometers, light bulbs and exposure from dental amalgam, vaccines and food such as fish.

Originally presented June 14, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lecture Presenter

Brian Hall, M.D Brian Hall, MD

Dr. Hall is a third year pathology resident at the University of Utah. He has an interest in Dermatopathology and Surgical Pathology. He graduated from medical school from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2008 and received a bachelor's of arts degree from Kansas State University in 2004 in Biology. He enjoys running in his free time and has completed three marathons this year. He also enjoys editing medical textbooks with his father who is a dermatologist in Kansas City.

Objectives

After this presentation, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand common exposure sources of mercury
  • Appreciate some clinical features of acute and chronic mercury poisoning
  • Know the different tests available for mercury
  • Gain knowledge regarding treatments available for acute and chronic toxicity

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine and ARUP Laboratories