Understanding The Risks Of Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning is a metal poisoning caused by exposure to mercury or its compounds. Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white liquid metal used in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lighting, batteries, and in the manufacture of chemicals. It is also found in certain types of fish and shellfish. When people are exposed to mercury, it can build up in their bodies over time and cause serious health problems. Mercury poisoning can effect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Mercury exposure can also cause birth defects in unborn children. Mercury poisoning is a serious health concern that requires immediate attention and treatment.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by FastTrack, we understand the severity of mercury poisoning and are committed to providing immediate attention and treatment for those effected. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate these health challenges effectively to make sure you and your family are safe from the harmful effects of mercury poisoning.

Sources of Mercury Exposure

The Environment

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil; however, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, mining, and industrial processes have increased the levels of mercury in our environment. For example, coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of mercury emissions into the air. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury can travel long distances before falling to the ground, accumulating in soils and sediments, and converting bacteria into methylmercury. This highly toxic form builds up in fish and shellfish making the ingestion of these food sources potentially harmful.

Occupational Exposure

Certain work environments can also expose individuals to unsafe levels of mercury. People may be exposed when they breathe air containing elemental mercury vapors like in dental offices where amalgam fillings (which contain mercury) are used or in industries that manufacture products containing mercury such as batteries, fluorescent lights, and medical equipment.

Household Items

This may come as a surprise but a variety of common household items that we use do contain mercury. These include fluorescent and low-energy lamps, mercury-containing thermometers, and older-model thermostats. While these items aren’t typically harmful under normal use, they can release mercury vapors if broken or improperly disposed.

Seafood and Fish

The most common way people are exposed to mercury is through the consumption of fish and other seafood. Mercury is an element that is absorbed by seafood when they eat smaller organisms that have ingested it. Over time, mercury concentrations can build up in their bodies, a process called bioaccumulation. Large, long-lived fish like sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish tend to have the highest levels of mercury because they eat many smaller fish throughout their lives. Consuming these types of fish regularly can lead to significant mercury exposure.

How Mercury Enters the Body

Inhalation

Inhalation is one common way for mercury to enter our bodies and is often experienced in workplaces where mercury or its compounds are used or produced such as dental offices and manufacturing industries. The lungs can readily absorb inhaled mercury vapor, causing it to enter the bloodstream and reach various parts of the body.

Ingestion

The most common method of mercury exposure is through ingestion, specifically by consuming fish and shellfish that have been exposed to mercury. Methylmercury, a highly toxic form of mercury, builds up in fish, with larger species generally containing higher levels due to bioaccumulation. When we consume these contaminated fish, the digestive tract absorbs the methylmercury into the bloodstream. High exposure to mercury through ingestion may result in damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the kidneys.

Skin Absorption

While less frequent, mercury exposure can also occur through skin absorption. This can happen when the skin comes in contact with mercury or substances containing mercury; however, the rate at which mercury is absorbed through the skin varies, depending on the form of mercury and the condition of the skin. Elemental mercury, such as that found in thermometers, is not readily absorbed through intact skin.

Physical Effects of Mercury Poisoning

The Nervous System

Mercury, particularly in high doses, has been known to cause significant damage to the nervous system. Symptoms can include tremors, mood swings, irritability, nervousness, and insomnia. Mercury exposure can also result in changes to the central nervous system, leading to irritability and fatigue.

The Digestive System

Exposure to mercury can cause irritation to the stomach, leading to discomfort and potentially more serious digestive issues. In some cases, a metallic taste in the mouth can be an early symptom of mercury poisoning.

The Immune System

Mercury exposure can have detrimental effects on the immune system. Elemental mercury vapor may decrease resistance to infection and increase susceptibility to various diseases. Mercury poisoning can also increase the risk of certain cancers developing later.

The Lungs

Inhalation of mercury vapors can cause a variety of lung-related issues. Symptoms could range from coughing, chest pain, and inflammation of the tissues of the lungs to more severe conditions such as difficulty breathing. Severe exposure can lead to headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

The Kidneys

Mercury can cause significant damage to the kidneys. This can lead to blood loss and potential long-term damage to kidney function. In severe cases, it could even lead to kidney failure.

High-Risk Groups for Mercury Poisoning

Pregnant Women

Exposure to mercury can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children. Mercury can cross the placental barrier and effect the developing nervous system of fetuses, potentially leading to a variety of developmental and cognitive deficits. This is why pregnant women are often advised to limit their consumption of certain types of fish that are known to contain high levels of mercury.

Children

Children are also considered a high-risk group for mercury poisoning. Their growing bodies are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of mercury, and as they have a greater tendency to put objects in their mouths, they have a higher risk of ingesting mercury. Mercury exposure in children can lead to neurodevelopmental issues and negatively impact their cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, fine motor skills, and visual-spatial skills.

Certain Occupations and Geographical Locations

Certain occupations that involve handling mercury or mercury-containing materials are at a higher risk of exposure including workers in industries such as manufacturing, mining, and dental work, as well as those who deal with mercury waste disposal.

People living in geographical areas where mercury is prevalent are also at an increased risk. This includes areas near industries that release mercury into the environment, such as coal-fired power plants and places where mercury is naturally present in high amounts. Additionally, people who live in areas where high-mercury fish are a large part of the diet may also be at heightened risk of mercury poisoning.

Prevention of Mercury Poisoning

Measures at Home

The risk of mercury exposure at home can be significantly reduced by taking a few simple measures. One of the most effective ways is to be cautious about the amount and types of seafood you consume, as fish can contain high levels of mercury. Additionally, choosing to buy and use products that are mercury-free can also help in minimizing exposure. It’s also important to handle items that contain mercury, such as certain types of thermometers and light bulbs, with care to prevent breakage.

Measures at Workplaces

Workplaces where mercury or mercury-containing materials are handled require specific safety requirements to prevent mercury exposure. Adopting work practices that minimize contact with mercury, ensuring proper ventilation, and using protective equipment will help reduce mercury exposure and mercury poisoning. Regular health surveillance and monitoring of the work environment for mercury spills or leaks will also ensure workplace safety and limit workplace exposure.

Government Regulations and Policies

Government regulations and policies play a crucial role in preventing mercury exposure. Actions taken by governmental bodies like the EPA include providing guidance to consumers, states, and tribes to reduce exposure, develop technologies to prevent mercury emissions, and promote clean energy. These measures not only protect individuals but also contribute to reducing overall environmental mercury pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)