micromercurialism

micromercurialism \micromercurialism\ n. [micro + mercurialism.
   Coined by the chemist A. Stock in 1926. See {mercurialism}.]
   (1926)
   A form of mercury poisoning resulting from long term exposure
   to low doses of mercury. The syndrome of micromercurialism
   involves complex symptoms of stress, fatigue, memory loss,
   fine tremors, muscular and reflex insufficiency and low blood
   pressure, caused by accumulation of mercury in the system. A
   condition of hyperthermia is accompanied by a series of
   functional changes under the effects of mercury. The combined
   simultaneous effect of toxic action, temperature and galvanic
   response infers a cycle of disintegration and change. --Work
   With Mercury (1972)

   Note: As proposed by Stock, the syndrome was considered as
         the union of pathological changes in human body caused
         by means of low concentrations (as low as 0.01 mg per
         cubic meter) of mercury vapor over long exposure times
         (up to 10 years).
         [PJC]