New Delhi: In the film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, Hamza Ali Mazari tries to kill Dawood Ibrahim. He puts a drop of concentrated mercury on his skin. It is also shown in the film that Jamil Jamali used mercury while shaking hands with Bade Saheb. After a few hours, he started having difficulty in eating and in the end he remained bedridden for the rest of his life.

In the training scene at the end of the film, it was told that a drop of mercury can penetrate the skin and cause symptoms like food poisoning. Is mercury such an easy and fast poison in real life? Let us understand from the opinion of neurologist.

Mercury is a neurotoxin, but not like the movie

Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director of Neurology Department, Aakash Healthcare, says that mercury is a well-known poison that damages the brain and nervous system. Yet its depiction is often dramatized in films.

Mercury poisoning can occur gradually, especially with prolonged exposure. This is mostly caused by organic mercury compounds like methylmercury, which accumulate in the body. Initial symptoms are mild such as irritability, fatigue, headache and difficulty concentrating. Later, tremors, memory problems, mood changes and lack of coordination may occur.

How does mercury work through skin?

Dr. Bhardwaj clarifies that liquid mercury (elemental mercury) is not easily absorbed by the skin. The picture shown in the film of putting one drop on the skin and causing instant lethal effect is not completely correct. The real danger comes from inhaling or swallowing mercury vapor. The likelihood of serious toxicity from simple skin contact is very low.

The effect of mercury depends on its chemical form, quantity, method of contact and time. The dramatic result of a single handshake resulting in a lifetime of falling into bed is far from reality.

Diagnosis and treatment of symptoms

Mercury in the body can be tested through blood, urine and hair tests. Neurological examination and imaging reveal the extent of the damage. The first step in treatment is to prevent exposure to mercury. Some types of mercury can be removed from the body through chelation therapy.

Once serious damage occurs to the nervous system, some effects may be permanent. However, the condition can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Neurorehabilitation and supportive treatments help.

film vs reality

In the film, a drop of mercury has been shown as ‘slow poison’ which works silently. Mercury is indeed dangerous, but its effects usually result from chronic exposure, contaminated food, or industrial environments, rather than from a one-time, dramatic event. Dr. Bhardwaj advises that it is more important to be aware of the real dangers, such as contaminated fish, old thermometers or skin creams.