Acute mercury pneumonitis.

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Abstract
Inhalation of sufficient Hg vapor to cause toxic pneumonitis is an uncommon industrial accident. One such accident, which affected 4 men repairing a condenser in a power station, and following which it was possible to make serial physiological and toxicological measurements, is reported. The report draws attention to the need for vigilance whenever metallic Hg is split in a confined space, especially if it is hot, and to the need for anyone using manometers to be aware of the danger of Hg spillage. The progress of the patients suggests that early use of corticosteroids, even in patients who appear to be only mildly affected, may prevent progression of the acute syndrome into interstitial fibrosis.
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