mercury poisoning is a debilitating disease

Neurologic findings on MRI of atrophy of the cerebellar hemisphere, postcentral gyri, and calcarine area correlate with ataxia, sensory neuropathy, and visual field constriction. The organic mercury deposits in the CNS are thought to be converted to inorganic mercury, causing toxicity.

Organic mercury, such as methylmercury, is lipophilic and distributes across all tissues, including the central nervous system. Inorganic salts have low lipid solubility, so they have poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier, but due to slow elimination, there is some accumulation. This damage is from the direct oxidative effects of mercuric ions. Mercury salts cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract mucosa and proximal renal tubules early after exposure. Inhibition of enzymes such as choline acetyltransferase and catechol O-methyltransferase can lead to acetylcholine deficiency, hypertension, and tachycardia. Therefore, mercury can cause significant dysfunction of enzymes, membranes, transport mechanisms, and structural proteins. Mercury primarily binds to sulfhydryl groups and secondarily to amide, carboxyl, and phosphoryl groups, which interrupt cellular enzymes and protein systems throughout the body. Freshwater fish, including pike, walleye, muskellunge, and bass, should be eaten in moderation. These fish include shark, king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish, and tuna. Since the fetal brain is more susceptible to toxicity, the FDA recommends pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, avoid fish with high mercury content. The primary source of dietary ingestion is the consumption of contaminated fish. In Iraq, over 6000 people developed toxicity from eating bread baked with grain that was treated with methylmercury-based fungicide.Ĭhildren and fetuses have a higher susceptibility to mercury toxicity and, therefore, more severe clinical manifestations. Mercury was dumped into Minamata Bay, and members of the community developed toxicity from eating the fish containing methylmercury. Two major toxic incidents occurred in Minamata Bay, Japan, and Iraq. However, internationally, there are much higher rates of exposure, including mercury mining in China, small-scale gold mining, and food contaminated with mercury. (2018).In the United States, a 2013 report documented 1300 single mercury exposures, and only 24 had moderate to major effects. Understanding mercury exposure levels.Mercury poisoning at a home day care center – Hillsborough County, Florida, 2015. Current approaches of the management of mercury poisoning: Need of the hour. A challenging case of acute mercury toxicity. Five hundred years of mercury exposure and adaptation. Chronic neurological disease due to methylmercury poisoning. Cases of acute mercury poisoning by mercury vapor exposure during the demolition of a fluorescent lamp factory. NIOSH Backgrounder: Alice’s mad hatter & work-related illness. Mercury toxicity and treatment: A review of the literature. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This includes:Įating the above fish is not recommended for: The risk is higher for larger fish, which contain higher amounts of methylmercury. Consuming a lot of fish increases your risk of developing poisoning. People who work in these settings are more likely to develop poisoning over time.Įating fish is the most common way people are exposed to methylmercury.

It’s also common for children to play on floors, where mercury spills might occur.

This is due to their smaller lung capacity. Because the fetus is still growing, it’s more likely to develop neurological effects from mercury.Ĭhildren are more likely to experience mercury exposure through inhaled vapors.

This includes: Young ageįetuses and children have a higher risk of mercury exposure.Ī fetus in the womb can be exposed to mercury if the mother eats fish containing mercury. There are certain factors that increase your risk of getting chronic mercury poisoning.

Mercury poisoning is a debilitating disease