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Mercury Poisoning Effects in Humans

Some people have been exposed to toxic mercury for years without realizing that they were being put in a dangerous situation. The dangers associated with exposure to mercury range from various undiagnosed sicknesses to serious life-threatening diseases. Scientific findings have caused governmental agencies to take steps to reduce exposure.

  1. Mercury

    • Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in our environment. Also known as quicksilver, mercury can be found in three forms: elemental mercury, the kind used in thermometers; inorganic mercury, primarily mercuric chloride; and organic mercury, primarily methyl mercury. All three forms are quite toxic. Mercuric chloride is still used as a disinfectant and pesticide in agriculture, but pharmaceutical uses of inorganic mercury have been discontinued in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    Sources

    • Elemental mercury exposure is mainly caused from inhalation in occupational settings, such as inhalation of vapors in biomedical facilities. Low levels of elemental mercury can can be released in the mouth from dental amalgam fillings. There is not a significant amount of exposure to inorganic mercury today, as most products containing this substance have been banned. However, old cans of latex paint produced before 1990 could potentially cause exposure to inorganic mercury, since it was previously used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus in latex paints. The exposure to organic mercury is primarily from fish and fish products in the human diet. Fungicides containing mercury are now banned in the United States; however, previous exposure existed from diets that included fungicide-treated grains and the animals that ate them.

    Significance

    • According to the American College of Health Sciences, mercury can cause neurological, immunological, psychological and enzymatic issues. Mercury can be instrumental in or cause Alzheimer's, autism, heart disease, autoimmune disease, endocrine problems, and neurological and behavioral issues. The EPA states that there is no sufficient evidence yet to acknowledge a link between mercury exposure and cancer.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you have old amalgam tooth fillings, talk to your dentist about having them removed. Throw out any old paint that may contain harmful chemicals. And if you have an old thermometer that contains mercury, make sure to dispose of it properly by taking it to a hazardous waste collection center.

    Warning

    • Educate yourself about the dangers and take proper precautions if you work in an environment that affords the opportunity for exposure to mercury. According to the U.S. Department of Labor website, "The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for mercury vapor is 0.1 mg per cubic meter (mg/m(3)) of air as a ceiling limit. A worker's exposure to mercury vapor shall at no time exceed this ceiling level." Ask your supervisor about the safety procedures for your particular exposure risks.
      You should also be aware that most fish and shellfish contain traces of methyl mercury. Avoid eating large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, as they contain high levels of mercury, according to the FDA. To obtain your recommended requirements of fish, the FDA suggests seafood like shrimp, salmon, catfish, pollock and canned light tuna.

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