Information About Mercury Poisoning

Mercury can be found in the supplements and food we consume, as well as in the surrounding air, water and landfills. Dangerous levels of mercury consumption can lead to severe health complications.

Herbal Supplements and Mercury Poisoning

• According to WebMD, some online Ayurvedic medicines, including herbal supplements, have been found to have unsafe amounts of mercury and other metals in its ingredients.

Fish and Mercury

• Mercury levels in certain fish can be dangerous for regular consumption. According to WebMD, canned tuna has the most common mercury exposure for fish consumers. Other high-mercury fish include swordfish, shark, King mackerel and tilefish.

Mercury in Dental Fillings

• Dental fillings contain a type of mercury that has a different chemical compound than dangerous mercury; therefore, it is not poisonous.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

• Red cheeks and nose, loss of nails or teeth, muscle weakness and rashes may be more visible signs of mercury poisoning. Other symptoms can include tingling sensations, itching, burning, pain, kidney dysfunction, memory impairment and insomnia.

Complications of Mercury Poisoning

• Untreated mercury poisoning can lead to serious kidney and liver damage as well as long-term brain damage. Consuming high-mercury laden fish during pregnancy can be extremely harmful to the fetus.

Treating Mercury Poisoning

• Chelation therapy, the process of injecting ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid into the blood, which then binds the heavy metals and helps them to exit the body, is typically used for the treatment of mercury poisoning.