mad hatter disease

Questions

What does mad hatter disease mean?

erethism (neurological disorder from mercury poisoning)

Where does mad hatter disease come from?

"During the 18th to 20th centuries, hat makers used mercury to stiffen felt for hats. They used a type of mercury called mercuric nitrate and worked in poorly ventilated rooms. Over time, the hatters inhaled mercury vapors. Many developed symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning, including psychosis, excitability, and tremors. These symptoms became so common in hatters that the phrase “mad as a hatter” was born."

How to pronounce mad hatter disease

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