ENSC 201 Lecture 10: ENSC 201, Lecture 10: Mercury, Selenium, Lithium Metals
10 Mar 2017
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Prof wetterhahn was an expert in metal toxicity. Became ill and died in 1997 as a result of a laboratory accident involving a highly toxic mercury compound. She spilled one to a few drops of dimethylmercury onto her latex glove near her thumb. It permeated her glove and 5 months later she began having trouble walking and speaking. She died several months later, having realized that the mercury had poisoned her. Minamata, japan: widespread mercury (hg) poisoning related to industrial waste. Methylmercury was released into the bay directly from a factor from 1932 to 1965. Neurological disease in children was observed in 1956. More than 100 people died, more suffered neurological damage. Pathway was through shellfish, cats were also affected. First nations communities in nw ontario were exposed to mercury in 1960s. Origin of mercury at grassy narrows was a pulp and paper mill in dryden. Symptoms are still apparent: visual and hearing problems, balance problems, fatigue.
