Tellurium is an
element used in the vulcanization of rubber and in
metal-oxidizing solutions to blacken or tarnish metals. Descriptions of human toxicity from
tellurium ingestion are rare. We report the
clinical course of 2 children who ingested
metal-oxidizing solutions containing substantial concentrations of
tellurium. Clinical features included
vomiting, black discoloration of the oral mucosa, and a garlic odor to the breath. One patient developed
corrosive injury to the esophagus secondary to the high concentration of
hydrochloric acid in the
solution. Both patients recovered without serious sequelae, which is typical of
tellurium toxicity. An awareness of situations in which children may be exposed to
tellurium and its clinical presentation may assist clinicians in the diagnosis of this rare
poisoning.