Mercury
Poisoning
Mercury
poisoning occurs when high levels
of mercury accumulate in the body,
causing adverse health
effects such as damage to the
nervous system.
What
is Mercury?
Mercury
is a chemical element that occurs
in nature and that can be found almost
everywhere in the environment. Mercury
can be found in three forms: metallic,
inorganic, and organic.
- Metallic
- a silvery white metal that is
a liquid at room temperature. It
can be found in thermometers, batteries,
and dental fillings. It evaporates
easily into the air, and the vapors
are dangerous to breathe.
- Inorganic
- occurs when mercury combines with
other elements to form powders or
crystals, also known as "mercury
salts." These salts are used
in ointments, antiseptic creams,
and anti-bacterials.
- Organic
- occurs when mercury is combined
with carbon. The most common form
of organic mercury is methylmercury,
which accumulates in freshwater
and saltwater fish.
Mercury
is released into the air when coal,
oil, or natural gas is burned, or
when garbage is incinerated. In addition,
mercury can be released when soil
decomposes or rocks erode. Once mercury
is airborne it can be carried by wind
or it can fall to the earth with rain
or snow.
Humans
can be exposed
to all three types of mercury;
however, the inorganic and metallic
types leave the body fairly quickly,
while organic mercury can build up
in muscle tissue.
What
is Thimerosal?
Thimerosal
is a preservative that has been used
in vaccines and other products since
the 1930s. It is used in multi-dose
vaccines so that the remaining vaccine
does not become contaminated. Thimerosal
contains ethylmercury, a form of organic
mercury that transforms into inorganic
mercury within the body.
Amid
concerns that the small amounts of
mercury
in thimerosal may have adverse
health effects on humans, in 1999
the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), the Public Health Service (PHS)
agencies, and vaccine manufacturers
agreed to eliminate and/or reduce
thimerosal in vaccines.
Mercury
Poisoning Controversy
The
similarities between the effects
of mercury poisoning and the characteristics
of autism have led some to believe
that mercury poisoning from thimerosal
may be a direct cause of autism in
young children.
The
decision to remove thimerosal from
vaccines was made even though there
has been no conclusive evidence to
support claims that the preservative
is related to mercury
poisoning and autism. An Institutes
of Medicine report failed to provide
support for the contention that thimerosal
is linked to the increased incidence
of autism across the nation. Many
experts believe that the increase
in autism can be linked to quicker
diagnosis and an increased awareness
of the condition within the medical
community.
If
you are concerned about mercury poisoning
and thimerosal, contact an attorney
to learn about your legal rights.
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