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BACKGROUND: In the United States, mercury poisoning typically occurs from ingestion of contaminated fish or from inhalation or absorption through skin because of an occupational exposure. No national numbers on mercury poisoning are available; however, during 2012, a total of 3,422 calls were made to U.S. poison control centers regarding mercury exposures, and 556 potential exposures were treated at health care facilities.
METHODS: In April 2014, Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) was notified of a high blood mercury level in a patient who was hospitalized with acute respiratory failure secondary to chemical pneumonitis. Case investigation was initiated by conducting chart review and contact interviews to identify the source of mercury poisoning.
RESULTS: A man aged 59 years was admitted to a hospital with acute respiratory failure secondary to chemical pneumonitis; his blood mercury level was 86µg/L (normal: <10µg/L), which was reported to the public health department. The patient reported smelting old computer components by heating them with mercury and other chemicals in a frying pan to recover gold and silver. He learned this technique from YouTube® and the History® channel and purchased supplies (e.g., elemental mercury) through the Internet. EPA inspected his house and found the kitchen’s air mercury level was 0.8µg/m3 (EPA reference concentration: <0.3µg/m3). Remediation was performed by using chemical wipes on kitchen surfaces and heating and ventilating the kitchen with a negative pressure fan until air levels of mercury were acceptable. All contaminated materials were removed and disposed of according to EPA-recommended guidelines. No additional cases had been reported since then.
CONCLUSIONS: This case study demonstrates the risk of heavy metal poisoning in a nonindustrial setting. Further investigation is needed to identify and characterize those at risk from respiratory hazards of metal smelting in a nonindustrial setting. The Iowa Public Health Department will develop a nontargeted health education approach, including press releases, newsletters and use of social media providing preventive information and the risk involved with conducting such procedures.