The following signs and symptoms are typically seen in the patients suffering from inorganic mercury poisoning:

• Sore throat
• Dyspepsia and pyrosis
• Abdominal colic 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Desquamation of the skin
• Oliguria
• Peripheral neuropathy [7]
• Blindness
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Salivation
• Hypertension
• Seizures

• Pain

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  Acute mercury poisoning causes nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Meanwhile her 11-year-old sister was hospitalized for evaluation of fatigue, weakness, lower back pain, and ataxia. The older girl's blood mercury concentration, at 5.5 micrograms/dL, was in the toxic range. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Dentist

  Chronic neurobehavioural effects of elemental mercury in dentists. C H Ngim, S C Foo, K W Boey, J Jeyaratnam Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore. [doi.org]

  Neurobehavioural tests were performed by 98 dentists (mean age 32, range 24-49) exposed to elemental mercury vapour and 54 controls (mean age 34, range 23-50) with no history of occupational exposure to mercury. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  You'll need to fill out a form and they will connect with you to find a suitable dentist in your area Holistic Dental Association International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists [articles.mercola.com]

• Fatigue

  Meanwhile her 11-year-old sister was hospitalized for evaluation of fatigue, weakness, lower back pain, and ataxia. The older girl's blood mercury concentration, at 5.5 micrograms/dL, was in the toxic range. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] nervous (CNS) systems (depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, memory loss, hands, head, lips, tongue, jaw and eyelids tremors, weight loss, perpetually low body temperature, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia, fatigue [orpha.net]

  My debilitating illness of bizarre symptoms, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, sleeps disorders, and others, put me in about 180,000 of debt and ruined my life. [drpompa.com]

• Anemia

  […] toxic in relation to their ability to produce mercuric ions; usually acute mercury poisoning is associated with ulcerations of the mouth (including loosening of teeth), stomach, and intestine in addition to toxic changes in the renal tubules; anuria and anemia [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Symptoms that can be caused by a deficiency of minerals displaced by mercury include: Magnesium: irregular heartbeat, receding gums Iron: anemia Copper: anemia, thyroid dysfunction, impaired digestion Zinc: anorexia nervosa, loss of taste and smell, loss [evenbetterhealth.com]

  A case of merbromin (Mercurochrome) intoxication possibly resulting in aplastic anemia. Acta Med Scand, 205 (1979), pp. 463-466 [14] J.A. Magarey. Absorption of mercurochrome. Lancet, 342 (1993), pp. 1424 Copyright © 2000. [analesdepediatria.org]

  If something is not going well with their blood cells forming, they may have issues similar to anemia, feeling very tired, easy bleeding or bruising. With organic mercury exposure, the symptoms are pretty much the same, but probably not respiratory. [scientificamerican.com]

• Weight Loss

  The first case showed hyperhidrosis, insomnia, generalied myokymia, cramps, tremor, weight loss, and myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges, followed by encephalopathy with confusion, hallucinations, and memory decrease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  hands, head, lips, tongue, jaw and eyelids tremors, weight loss, perpetually low body temperature, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia, fatigue). [orpha.net]

  Symptoms of mercury poisoning from fillings may include: Weakness Fatigue Gastrointestinal distress Headache Widespread joint pain Skin rashes Weight loss Reduced color vision and visual acuity Decreased coordination Poor fine motor control Tremor Memory [universityhealthnews.com]

• Vomiting

  Acute mercury poisoning causes nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  Stomach irritation can induce vomiting, abdominal colic and diarrhea. The fervent accumulation of inorganic mercury has been histologically proven to center in the kidneys and the brain matter. [symptoma.com]

  John had told Reed that was prone to mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia and spontaneous vomiting. [dailymail.co.uk]

  Depending on how much is swallowed, symptoms may include: Burning in the stomach and throat Bloody diarrhea and vomiting If inorganic mercury enters your bloodstream, it can attack the kidneys and brain. [nlm.nih.gov]

• Nausea

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  Acute mercury poisoning causes nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Gastrointestinal symptoms include a metallic taste, gingivostomatitis, nausea and hypersalivation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Diarrhea

  The acute form, due to ingestion, is marked by severe abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, oliguria or anuria at onset, followed by bloody diarrhea, and corrosion and ulceration of the entire digestive tract. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  Stomach irritation can induce vomiting, abdominal colic and diarrhea. The fervent accumulation of inorganic mercury has been histologically proven to center in the kidneys and the brain matter. [symptoma.com]

  A 36-year-old woman presented to the ED with a three-day history of abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. One week ago her daughter had brought mercury in the liquid form from the school. She had put it on the heating stove. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  A large amount in the bloodstream may cause massive blood and fluid loss from diarrhea and kidney failure, leading to death. [nlm.nih.gov]

• Loss of Appetite

  A 4½12 year old boy was admitted with dysuria, general weakness, and loss of appetite. He had hypertension (140/95 mm Hg) and tachycardia (141 beats/min). [doi.org]

  Symptoms of acrodynia include irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, loosening of teeth, inflammation of the mouth, and redness of the skin. Get unlimited ad-free access to all Britannica’s trusted content. [britannica.com]

  Initial symptoms included loss of appetite and low weight increase. Elevated blood mercury concentrations were found. Chelating therapy with dimercaprol was initiated and the patient's evolution was good. [analesdepediatria.org]

  […] of appetite/with or without weight loss ( source & full list here ) Here is the original article and huge list of symptoms of Mercury Poisoning Mercury Poisoned. [healyounaturally.com]

  […] of appetite/with or without weight loss loss of weight hypoglycemia PLEASE REPORT BROKEN LINKS TO marieflow (at) aol.com">marie [email protected] [mercurypoisoned.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  The acute form, due to ingestion, is marked by severe abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, oliguria or anuria at onset, followed by bloody diarrhea, and corrosion and ulceration of the entire digestive tract. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  A 36-year-old woman presented to the ED with a three-day history of abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. One week ago her daughter had brought mercury in the liquid form from the school. She had put it on the heating stove. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The signs and symptoms may also include cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, metallic taste in mouth, headache, visual disturbances, chest pain, swallowing difficulties, etc. [dovemed.com]

  GI effects seen include gingivostomatitis, hypersalivation (ptyalism), non-specific abdominal pain, and nausea. A metallic taste is sometimes reported. [calpoison.org]

• Metallic Taste

  The acute form, due to ingestion, is marked by severe abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, oliguria or anuria at onset, followed by bloody diarrhea, and corrosion and ulceration of the entire digestive tract. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Exposure to inorganic mercury generally causes development of a metallic taste, local oropharyngeal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, colic abdominal pain, renal dysfunction and, neurologic abnormalities; while that to organic mercury can lead [orpha.net]

  Gastrointestinal symptoms include a metallic taste, gingivostomatitis, nausea and hypersalivation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) Properties of Mercury (as a transition metal):  It has a Metallic taste.  Since transition metals possess the shades of grey- brown-white, mercury decolourizes the mucous membranes (e.g gums) grey, and the lens of the eye brown [slideshare.net]

  Symptoms may include a metallic taste and excessive production of saliva; inflammation of the membranes of the mouth; loosening of the teeth; the formation of a blue line on the gums; pain, numbness, and tremor in the extremities; loss of weight and appetite [britannica.com]

• Hypersalivation

  Gastrointestinal symptoms include a metallic taste, gingivostomatitis, nausea and hypersalivation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  GI effects seen include gingivostomatitis, hypersalivation (ptyalism), non-specific abdominal pain, and nausea. A metallic taste is sometimes reported. [calpoison.org]

  Most of them showed hyperkinesis, hypersalivation, seizures, and strabismus [ 6, 12 ]. [doi.org]

  With battery ingestion, one would expect signs of inorganic mercury exposure, such as hypersalivation and vomiting, rather than signs of organic mercury poisoning. One major risk factor for mercury toxicity is industrial contamination. [emedicine.com]

• Bleeding Gums

  Chronic symptoms may include: Metallic taste in the mouth Vomiting Difficulty breathing Bad cough Swollen, bleeding gums Depending on how much mercury is inhaled, permanent lung damage and death may occur. [nlm.nih.gov]

  More of her story is on their website at www.toxicteeth.org. motor neuron disease (ALS) Multiple Sclerosis, see Janie's Story, and Ken Pressner's Speech to the MS Society HEAD, NECK, ORAL CAVITY DISORDERS bleeding gums alveolar bone loss loosening of [mercurypoisoned.com]

  Symptoms of mercury toxicity in the mouth include: Bleeding gums Periodontal (gum) disease Mouth ulcers A metallic taste Excessive salivation A loss of the sense of taste A burning, red, inflamed mouth ‘Bald’ patches on the tongue or cheeks (includes [evolvedental.com.au]

  Chronic symptoms of elemental mercury exposure may include: ( 7 ) Metallic taste in the mouth Vomiting Difficulty breathing Bad cough Swollen, bleeding gums Permanent lung damage and death may occur depending on how much mercury has been inhaled. [draxe.com]

• Hypertension

  However, it was also necessary to concurrently treat her hypertension and the pain associated with her acrodynia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  He was hypertensive (126/87 mm Hg) and tachycardic (140 beats/min). [doi.org]

• Muscle Cramp

  Signs of mercury toxicity in the musculoskeletal system include tender muscles, rapid muscle fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and TMJ dysfunction. [lahealthyliving.com]

  Sodium and potassium are part of the cellular sodium/potassium pump which causes muscle movement. Interference with sodium and potassium can lead to muscle weakness for this reason. Leg and muscle cramps may be due to potassium deficiency. [evenbetterhealth.com]

  Tender, sore muscles Rapid muscle fatigue Joint pain Joint swelling Joint stiffness Muscle cramps Low-back pain Muscle weakness Jaw joint dysfunction (TMJD) The Cardiovascular System And Heart Mercury collects in the heart muscle and valves and has been [evolvedental.com.au]

• Eczema

  Cold, clammy skin Dry skin Peeling or flaking skin on the hands, feet and face A puffy face Red, flaky skin around the eyes Thick, red skin on hands & feet Pricking, stabbing, fizzing or crawling sensations in the skin Very itchy rashes Eczema and psoriasis [evolvedental.com.au]

  ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT Do early intake of fish and fish oil protect against eczema and doctor-diagnosed asthma at 2 years of age? A cohort study Oien et al. J. Epidemiol. Community Health 2010;64:124-129. [web.archive.org]

• Hearing Impairment

  These symptoms might include paresthesias, headaches, ataxia, dysarthria (motor speech disorder), visual field constriction, blindness, and hearing impairment. Laboratory Tests: Blood, urine and hair can be tested for mercury. [floridahealth.gov]

  Signs of toxicity from acute exposure progress from paresthesias and ataxia to generalized weakness, visual and hearing impairment, and tremor and muscle spasticity to coma and death. [dx.doi.org]

• Peripheral Vision Loss

  The signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning caused by eating too many contaminated foods may include: Peripheral neuropathy - tingling, itching, pins-and-needles on toes and fingertips Reduced peripheral vision Loss of coordination Muscle weakness Possible [medicalnewstoday.com]

• Mood Swings

  John had told Reed that was prone to mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia and spontaneous vomiting. [dailymail.co.uk]

  Mercury poisoning may include the following symptoms: muscle weakness skin rashes mental disturbances such as mood swings and memory loss impairment of speech, hearing and peripheral vision impairment of coordinated movements such as walking or writing [web.archive.org]

  To top it all off, it's likely that you'll start having sudden mood swings or drastic changes in your personality. The reason mercury poisoning mimics being drunk is because alcohol attacks your nervous system much like mercury poisoning does. [ranker.com]

  Throughout the podcast, McLemore shows signs of mood swings, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and could very well be a long-time sufferer of Mad Hatter disease — a colloquial term for one form of mercury poisoning. [inverse.com]

• Anuria

  The acute form, due to ingestion, is marked by severe abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, oliguria or anuria at onset, followed by bloody diarrhea, and corrosion and ulceration of the entire digestive tract. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Anuria persisted for 14 days. She was treated by plasma exchange, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in combination with continued dimercaprol chelation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Oliguria

  The acute form, due to ingestion, is marked by severe abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, oliguria or anuria at onset, followed by bloody diarrhea, and corrosion and ulceration of the entire digestive tract. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  The following signs and symptoms are typically seen in the patients suffering from inorganic mercury poisoning: Sore throat Dyspepsia and pyrosis Abdominal colic Vomiting Diarrhea Dehydration Desquamation of the skin Oliguria Peripheral neuropathy Blindness [symptoma.com]

• Renal Insufficiency

  TREATMENT Removal of the patient from exposure to mercury, and promoting elimination of mercury by bowels and kidneys. Giving alkaline solution to the patient to fight metabolic acidosis, which has resulted from renal insufficiency. 35. [slideshare.net]

• Tremor

  The chronic form, resulting from inhalation of the vapors or dust of mercurial compounds or from repeated ingestion of very small amounts, is characterized by irritability, thirst, excessive saliva, loosened teeth, gum disorders, slurred speech, tremors [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Mercury toxicity causes postural tremors, commonly referred to as "mercurial tremors," and cerebellar dysfunction. A 23-year woman, 2 years after injecting herself with elemental mercury developed disabling generalized myoclonus and ataxia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] erythema and allergic contact dermatitis accompanied by pain), and peripheral and central nervous (CNS) systems (depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, memory loss, hands, head, lips, tongue, jaw and eyelids tremors [orpha.net]

• Headache

  The most commonly seen complaints are headache, tremor, impaired cognitive skills, weakness, muscle atrophy, and paresthesia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] peripheral and central nervous (CNS) systems (depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, memory loss, hands, head, lips, tongue, jaw and eyelids tremors, weight loss, perpetually low body temperature, drowsiness, headaches [orpha.net]

  […] tubules; anuria and anemia may occur; respiratory distress and pneumonia can follow inhalation; chronic mercury poisoning is due to industrial pollution; causes gastrointestinal or central nervous system manifestations including stomatitis, diarrhea, headaches [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  There were tooth inflammations, highest fatigability and drowsiness, vexing headache, often also tearing and diarrhea. [stanford.edu]

• Ataxia

  A 4-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a history of fever and increasing irritability, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, headache, anorexia, and ataxia. She was discharged two days later with a diagnosis of acute cerebellar ataxia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] intestine and toxic changes in the renal tubules; anuria and anemia may occur; chronic mercury poisoning is usually a result of industrial poisoning and causes gastrointestinal or central nervous system manifestations including stomatitis, diarrhea, ataxia [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  These symptoms might include paresthesias, headaches, ataxia, dysarthria (motor speech disorder), visual field constriction, blindness, and hearing impairment. Laboratory Tests: Blood, urine and hair can be tested for mercury. [floridahealth.gov]

  Telltale signs of mercury poisoning also included those often seen in hatters: emotional instability, cognitive and memory loss, shyness, speech problems, and ataxia. [web.archive.org]

• Insomnia

  The first case showed hyperhidrosis, insomnia, generalied myokymia, cramps, tremor, weight loss, and myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges, followed by encephalopathy with confusion, hallucinations, and memory decrease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  John had told Reed that was prone to mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia and spontaneous vomiting. [dailymail.co.uk]

  […] central nervous (CNS) systems (depression, paranoia, extreme irritability, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, memory loss, hands, head, lips, tongue, jaw and eyelids tremors, weight loss, perpetually low body temperature, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia [orpha.net]

• Paresthesia

  A 48-year-old male deep-sea fisherman developed paresthesia and pain in both legs while working at sea. He continued working for over 4 months on a pelagic fishing vessel but was eventually unable to function normally as his condition deteriorated. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  These symptoms might include paresthesias, headaches, ataxia, dysarthria (motor speech disorder), visual field constriction, blindness, and hearing impairment. Laboratory Tests: Blood, urine and hair can be tested for mercury. [floridahealth.gov]

  When the first symptom appears, typically paresthesia (a tingling or numbness in the skin), it is followed rapidly by more severe effects, sometimes ending in coma and death. [en.wikipedia.org]

The following diagnostic modalities and tests are preliminarily done for the work up of patients suffering from inorganic mercurial poisoning:

• Urine Test: Urine samples are taken from suspected patients and the concentration of mercury is determined. Mercurial concentration of at least 10 ug/L is a positive finding in mercury poisoning.
• Blood Test: In the same way, a serum mercurial concentration of at least 10 ug/L indicates inorganic mercury poisoning.
• Environmental Test: Samples from the environment of the patient (such as water source) are taken for mercurial analysis. Food sources like fishes from local water sources may also be investigated for mercurial accumulation. 
• Nerve Biopsy: Neural biopsy of nerve cells reveals progressive demyelination and axonal degeneration with inorganic mercury toxicity [8]. 
• Hair samples: A concentration of at least 1.2 mcg/g of mercury found in the hair shaft is indicative of heavy mercurial exposure [9]. 
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: CSF analysis using spectroscopy can reveal the relative levels of mercury concentrations in the brain matter. 

The patients who are suspected of having mercury poisoning are usually treated as an emergency. The airways and breathing are primarily secured in the emergency room setting. Copious irrigation of the contaminated skin and the removal of the contaminated clothing are done. Patients with inorganic mercury poisoning benefit from a gastric lavage with activated charcoal. Chelating agents like thiol containing compounds and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) are arbitrarily used for symptomatic patients to unload the mercurial load in the serum [10]. In severe cases of toxicity with impending renal failure, hemodialysis affords an effective means of clearing the accumulated mercury from the system thereby preventing it from accumulating in the brain and kidneys.

The morbidity associated with mercury toxicity is usually dependent on the level of toxicity. In the severe case of Minamata Bay incident, a large number of patients fell into coma and consequentially died.

Mercury toxicity absorbed through the skin can have a delayed intoxication reaction in some patients [4]. Dietary mercurial toxicity is associated with dietary levels more than 0.5 mcg of mercury per kilogram body weight [5]. In general, dietary mercury toxicity is usually due to the ingestion of mercury contaminated fishes [6]. The majority of patients suffering from mercury poisoning develop neurologic and renal symptoms. Inorganic mercury and organic mercury toxicity can both be devastating to the fetus which can either lead to intrauterine death or growth retardation.

Inorganic mercury poisoning results from the ingestion and absorption of inorganic mercury and its active salts into the blood stream. Inorganic mercury can be found from the following sources:

• Thermometer
• Chemistry laboratory
• Batteries
• Folk medicines
• Red cinnabar minerals
• Disinfectants

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) have announced that in the year 2011, that there have been at least 1700 reports of patients with single exposure to mercury and its compounds [1]. Almost 44% were older than 19 years and 9% were children younger than 6 years. Among these cases, only 2.4% were noted to have moderate to severe clinical complications; while no mortalities were noted.

One of the most popular mercury poisoning occurred in the communities of Minamata Bay in Japan. The largest mass poisoning of mercury occurred in Iraq in the 1970's when 95,000 tons of mercury-based fungicide-treated grains were accidentally baked for consumption [2]. Although most of the patients were underdiagnosed, almost 6,000 Iraqi citizens were hospitalized because of the mishap and hundreds consequently died. In China, there were a significant number of cases of mercury toxicity and poisoning due to contaminated rice from mining activities [3].

Mercury in all its forms in nature can be ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled through the respiratory system. Inorganic mercury is usually not harmful in smaller quantities but exposure to large quantities of the element can have corrosive effects on the cells. The throat and the esophagus may consequently be irritated conveying a burning sensation. Stomach irritation can induce vomiting, abdominal colic and diarrhea. The fervent accumulation of inorganic mercury has been histologically proven to center in the kidneys and the brain matter. Irreversible kidney failure has been observed in severe mercury toxicities leading to coma and death. Neurologic symptoms like blindness, behavioral changes, headache, loss of coordination, and seizures are eminent in case of cerebral and cerebellar accumulation of the inorganic mercurial salts. 

Molecularly, mercurial accumulation irreversibly stops selenium-based enzymes and S-adenosyl-methionine which are needed for the catabolism of catecholamines. The consequent accumulation of the catecholamine epinephrine clinically leads to profuse sweating, tachycardia, salivation, and hypertension among affected patients.

Caution must be taken when handling pure mercury in the laboratory by using protective gloves. Old batteries must be disposed properly to prevent the accumulation of inorganic mercury in the environment. Skin disinfectants that contain mercury based compounds must be used judiciously to prevent the inadvertent accumulation of the element.

Inorganic mercury poisoning is a type of metal poisoning from the element mercury directly absorbed from the environment. Inorganic mercury represents the volatile and elemental form of mercury. It can occur in salted forms in nature like mercurous chloride and mercuric chloride.

Inorganic mercury may not be toxic in small doses; however, in large doses, it acts as a corrosive and causes gastrointestinal symptoms.

Inorganic mercury poisoning is a clinical condition in whiche there is a pathologic accumulation of inorganic mercury in the blood stream and some vital organs. Inorganic mercury can inadvertently be ingested or absorbed through the skin from environmental contaminants like battery effluents, laboratory discharges, and folk culture medicine preparations. 

The severity of inorganic mercury poisoning depends upon the amount of the mercury that is loaded into the system. Gastrointestinal symptoms like throat irritation, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea are seen. Neurologic signs of visual disturbances, loss of balance, and seizures may also be prominent. With severe toxicity, failure of kidneys may take place. Supportive care is imperative in the emergency setting in this kind of poisoning.

1. Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR Jr, Rumack BH, Dart RC. 2011 Annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 29th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). Dec 2012; 50(10):911-1164.
2. Amin-zaki L, Majeed MA, Clarkson TW, Greenwood MR. Methylmercury poisoning in Iraqi children: clinical observations over two years. Br Med J. Mar 11 1978; 1(6113):613-6.
3. Feng X, Li P, Qiu G, et al. Human exposure to methylmercury through rice intake in mercury mining areas, Guizhou province, China. Environ Sci Technol. Jan 1 2008; 42(1):326-32.
4. Nierenberg DW, Nordgren RE, Chang MB, et al. Delayed cerebellar disease and death after accidental exposure to dimethylmercury. N Engl J Med. Jun 4 1998; 338(23):1672-6. 
5. EPA. Water quality criterion for the protection of human health: methylmercury. Environmental Protection Agency. Jan 2001; EPA-823-R-01-001.
6. ATSDR. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Mercury. ATSDR. August 1997.
7. Langford NJ, Ferner RE (1999). "Toxicity of mercury" (PDF). Journal of Human Hypertension 13 (10): 651–6. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1000896. PMID 10516733.
8. Chu CC, Huang CC, Ryu SJ, Wu TN. Chronic inorganic mercury induced peripheral neuropathy. Acta Neurol Scand. Dec 1998; 98(6):461-5.
9. Li YF, Chen C, Li B, et al. Scalp hair as a biomarker in environmental and occupational mercury exposed populations: suitable or not?. Environ Res. May 2008; 107(1):39-44.
10. Forman J, Moline J, Cernichiari E, et al. A cluster of pediatric metallic mercury exposure cases treated with meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Environ Health Perspect. Jun 2000; 108(6):575-7.