Just 10 months after an incident in which researcher Karen Wetterhahn was exposed to a toxic metal, she faced an unexpected death. Share this article Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy link Link copied Bookmark this Comment
A teacher and scientist suffered a horrific death after a tiny raindrop-sized drop of a chemical landed on her skin.
While working as a research chemist at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA, Karen Wetterhahn was closely studying the effects of heavy metals on living organisms when she became involved in an experiment. In the summer of 1996, the scientist was using a substance known as dimethylmercury when a tiny droplet fell from the tip of a pipette and landed on her latex glove.
The article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Despite following all the necessary precautions for such work and immediately removing her gloves before putting on new ones, it appears it was too late for the chemicals to take effect. The substance had already penetrated her skin and, unbeknownst to her, entered her bloodstream.
At the time of the incident, Karen had no idea what was happening inside her body until several months later, when she began noticing symptoms. These unusual symptoms included problems with balance, speech, and vision. Before she knew it, she was hospitalized in January of the following year.
It was there that doctors took blood samples and discovered that Karen had mercury poisoning, and not mildly so: the mercury level in her blood exceeded the recommended limit by more than 4,000 times. Dr. Ben Miles reportedly explained the dangers of this drop, saying that just one drop of this clear liquid could “change your life forever.”
READ ALSO: Child killer Constance Martin cowers in her cell after 14 years in prison
READ MORE: Animal lover mauled to death by pet bear as neighbor watches in horror
He explained, “Not immediately, but so inevitably that doctors can only watch as your brain slowly disintegrates. This is the terrifying reality of dimethylmercury… Once in the body, dimethylmercury decomposes, releasing mercury ions that aggressively bond with sulfur atoms…”
The article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“Which are especially abundant in neurons of the brain and central nervous system. Deprived of the sulfur they need, these neurons begin to malfunction and die.”
It's believed that this substance can quickly penetrate layers of clothing and penetrate the skin in just 15 seconds. Although doctors tried to quickly remove the mercury from the body, the damage was already too extensive.
Slowly, 10 months after exposure, Karen fell into a coma, was placed on life support, and ultimately died. Results showed that her blood mercury levels spiked 17 days after the accident and peaked on the 39th day, triggering the sudden deterioration.
This accident became the foundation of Kane's lasting legacy in the world of science and research. Among these achievements is the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which subsequently established an award in her honor.
As a result, new safety precautions have been introduced in laboratories using dimethylmercury, as it is known to have the ability to permeate materials such as latex, PVC, and neoprene.
A 1998 report explains: “Disposable latex examination gloves were used in this incident, and subsequent permeation testing of the gloves by a certified independent testing laboratory showed that the chemical permeated latex, PVC, and neoprene almost instantly.”
Read more
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email address
We use your registration to deliver content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include advertising from us and third parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please review our Privacy Policy.
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
