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Warning-sign checks

Methylmercury poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help now if possible mercury exposure is accompanied by:

    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Severe confusion or inability to stay awake
    • Trouble breathing
    • Sudden inability to walk, speak, or swallow
    • Rapidly worsening weakness

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre promptly if you know or suspect that you have eaten food involved in a mercury contamination incident.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, use your regional poison information service.

    Do not wait for symptoms before calling about a known major exposure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange timely medical assessment for new numbness, balance problems, hearing changes, narrowing vision, or other neurological symptoms after possible repeated exposure.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate if you feel well but are concerned about frequent consumption of higher-mercury fish, an abnormal test result, or exposure during pregnancy.

    A single ordinary seafood meal without a contamination warning is not usually an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Methylmercury poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.