Mercury

Mercury is found in small quantities throughout the environment. It is released by the breakdown of minerals in rocks and soils and as a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and waste incineration. It is inhaled with the air that we breathe, absorbed through the skin, and ingested with food. The tiny amounts to which the vast majority of people are exposed to do not generally cause health concerns, but people who are exposed to dangerous concentrations of mercury (such as might be found at a hazardous waste site) or are exposed chronically to mercury (such as those who work with “heavy metals” in their occupation) may have mercury-related symptoms and complications.

Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury can be toxic. The amount of mercury absorbed by an individual and its effects on their health depends on the type of mercury, its concentration, and the exposure time. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), very little metallic mercury (less than 0.01%) is absorbed by the body, even if it is swallowed. However, if the same mercury is inhaled as a vapor, about 80% is absorbed into the bloodstream. About 95% of methyl mercury (the type found in fish and other seafood) is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The most common source of human exposure to methyl mercury is as a result of eating contaminated seafood. Fish that come from contaminated waters and larger predator fish – fish that have eaten smaller fish – may have significantly increased levels of methyl mercury. This is why it is recommended that you know the source of the fish you consume and that you limit the quantity of large predator fish you eat.

Once mercury is absorbed, it finds its way into a variety of body organs, including the kidneys and brain. The body will slowly rid itself of mercury through the urine and stool, but if excessive amounts are present, it can permanently damage the kidneys, nervous system, and brain.

Pregnant women with elevated levels of mercury can pass it on to their fetus, affecting development, especially the fetus’s brain, kidneys, and nerves. Mercury can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk during nursing.