Why should we be concerned about mercury exposure?
It may seem like an odd question… We keep seeing it in the news, hearing it in our doctor’s offices, but one day I stopped and asked myself, why is it important to avoid mercury? I did some research and this was the best explanation I came up with:
The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. Methylmercury and metallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms, because more mercury in these forms reaches the brain.
Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems.
From the ATSDR – Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html#bookmark05
And the EWG says this:
Mercury can damage the neurological development of fetuses and infants. Recent studies have suggested that mercury may also pose a health risk for adults, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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