Intoxication in a Colombian mercury mine: Aranzazu, 1948-1975.

Abstract

This study analyzes the activities, poisoning, and medical treatment of the "La Esperanza" mercury mine workers in Aranzazu (Caldas, Colombia) between 1948 and 1975. The mining work there was difficult due to the geological instability of the area and the use of inappropriate mining technology, which generated a high occurrence of poisoning manifested in tremors of limbs, bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and bad mouth odor. The mine was the first Colombian company to treat its poisoned workers with dimercaprol and penicillamine. Occupational toxicology in Colombia was thus born during one of the most significant occupational health disasters in the country.