Mercury
Poisoning: Health Effects
Mercury
poisoning occurs due to an accumulation
of mercury, usually in the form of
methylmercury or mercury vapors, within
the body. If exposure
to mercury exceeds recommended
levels (the EPA standard is set at
0.1 µg/kg body weight per day)
it can lead to a variety of adverse
health effects.
Symptoms
of mercury poisoning include:
Paresthesia
- a condition characterized by a tingling
and numb sensation in the outer extremities
(fingers, toes, and face)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Eye
irritation
- Skin
rash
- Increase
in blood pressure and/or heart rate
-
Difficulty walking
- Difficulty
speaking
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Impaired
vision and/or hearing
- Tremors
- Attention
and memory difficulties
Exposure
to high levels of mercury can result
in brain, lung, and kidney damage.
In addition, severe mercury poisoning
can lead to coma and death.
Effects
on Newborn and Unborn Children
Mercury
poisoning in pregnant women can lead
to damage to the fetus. This damage
usually occurs in the nervous system
and can lead to the following symptoms
in young children and infants:
- Abnormal
reflexes
- Uncoordinated
movement
- Speech
difficulties
- Seizures
- Delay
in walking
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