A tragic incident unfolded as a teacher and scientist met their demise due to exposure to a minuscule droplet of a potent chemical. Karen Wetterhahn, a researcher at Dartmouth College, found herself unintentionally becoming a subject in her own study on the impact of heavy metals on living organisms.
In the summer of 1996, while handling dimethylmercury, a tiny amount of the chemical seeped through her latex glove after a drop fell from her pipette. Despite promptly changing her gloves following safety procedures, the compound had already entered her bloodstream through her skin without her realization.
Months later, Karen began experiencing troubling symptoms, including balance issues, speech difficulties, and vision problems. Subsequent medical tests revealed an alarming mercury poisoning level in her system, exceeding the safe threshold by 4000 times.
Dr. Ben Miles emphasized the lethal nature of dimethylmercury, cautioning that even a single drop of this substance could have life-altering consequences. Once inside the body, dimethylmercury breaks down, releasing mercury ions that aggressively bond to sulfur atoms abundantly found in brain neurons, leading to their dysfunction and eventual demise.
The rapid penetration capability of dimethylmercury through clothing layers and skin in just 15 seconds further highlights its danger. Despite swift efforts to eliminate the mercury from her body, irreversible harm had already been done.
Karen’s condition deteriorated over time, eventually resulting in a coma that necessitated life support, ultimately leading to her passing. Tests indicated a steep rise in mercury levels post-exposure, peaking at 39 days and triggering her sudden decline.
Her tragic fate left a significant impact on the scientific community, prompting the establishment of an award in her honor by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Subsequent safety measures were enforced in laboratories handling dimethylmercury, acknowledging its ability to permeate materials like latex, PVC, and neoprene almost instantly.
In a report from 1998, it was disclosed that the disposable latex examination gloves used in the incident had undergone permeation testing, revealing the chemical’s rapid penetration through latex, PVC, and neoprene materials.