Karen Wetterhahn
Karen Wetterhahn (1949 - June 8th 1997) is a American chemist .
It undertook many research on the effects of heavy metals on health. In 1996, it led studies on the interactions between the ions mercury and the repair of DNA to the chemistry laboratory of the Dartmouth College (the United States). With this intention, it used Diméthylmercure (Hg (CH3) 2) like reference for measurements of nuclear Magnetic resonance.
In spite of the compliance with the allowed safety regulations hitherto (wearing of gloves, glasses of safety, work under the hood,…), an accident took place. According to his books of laboratory, one dates this accident with the August 14th 1996.
Some drops of diméthylmercure crossed its gantée hand, penetrated its skin. That in less than 15 seconds.
The primary symptoms appeared at the beginning of the month of January 1997: lower field of view, difficulty of speaking… The intoxication was diagnosed the January 28th with 4 mercury Mg per liter of blood. Karen Wetterhahn died the June 8th 1997 at the 48 years age. The concentration of diméthylmercure in blood usually observed is from 1 to 8 µg per liter. Toxicity is proven beyond 200 µg per liter.
The diméthylmercure showed here a toxicity even more important than that which one supposed to him. It is lethal with the concentration of 5 mg.kg-1. It is one of the known neurotoxine S most powerful. It crosses without problem the hemato-encephalic barrier and tends to concentrate on the level of the Cerveau.
This accident modified the behavior of the chemists during the handling of diméthylmercure. Moreover, the community chemist wishes today to replace diméthylmercure like standard for measurements of NMR.
References
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