The Effects of Mercury Exposure

updated 05/22/2008

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a chemical element, symbol Hg, atomic number 80 on the periodic table, commonly called quicksilver, and the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is a heavy, silvery liquid metal, which is very dense, but has a high surface tension, causing it to form tiny perfect spheres in the pores of rocks wherein it's found. Mercury is one of the few elements that do not break down.

Mercury deposits are found in various parts of the world. In its insoluble form, it remains harmless. However, soluble forms of mercury, such as methylmercury and mercuric chloride are poisonous. Since mercury conducts electricity extremely well, it has been used in a range of electrical products. It is used in barometers, manometers, thermometers and other scientific apparatuses.

Mercury has been known and used since ancient times. It is toxic in all three of its chemical forms - elemental mercury, organic mercury and mercury salts.

How am I Exposed to Mercury?

Mercury exists in four main forms and people are exposed to each in varying ways. Exposure to any forms of mercury on a long-term or repeated basis can cause mercury toxicity. Some cases of toxicity even occur with just a single high exposure.

1. Mercury metal, which accounts for most exposure at home, work and communities, is a silver-gray liquid. When spilled or exposed to air, vapors of mercury metal gets easily into the air, where anyone can breathe it into the lungs. Areas with warm temperatures are more prone to mercury metal exposure by air. It is harmful if absorbed through the skin, but is poses minimal health risks when swallowed.

   Mercury metal can be found in thermostats, barometers, thermometers, electrical switches, dental fillings and other medical equipments, light bulbs, clock pendulums, noise-making toys, athletic shoes and others.

2. Methylmercury exposure occurs by eating certain freshwater and saltwater fish, especially larger fishes from the top of the food chain, including swordfish, sharks, chain pickerel and large-mouth bass. Breastfeeding mothers exposed to methylmercury can expose their infants through the milk.

3. Inorganic Mercury compounds are usually found in button and alkaline batteries. Some over-the-counter drugs like merthiolate tincture, ointments, nasal sprays and thimerosol tincture have inorganic mercury compounds. These compounds could be harmful if swallowed or breathed.

4. Phenylmercury is used in controlling fungus growth in latex paints, oil-based paints, toiletries, cosmetics and other products before 1991. When using such products, mercury vapors could get into the air and enter the lungs. When it passes through the skin or swallowed, phenylmercury can be toxic.

All types of mercury, excluding methylmercury, can be released into the air and create pollution as well as contaminated drinking water.

What are the Symptoms of Mercury Exposure?

Low Levels of Exposure - Acute (low levels of) exposure to mercury vapor could cause pulmonary and nervous system problems. High levels of mercury exposure could cause the onset of symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, cough, dyspnea and a distinct metallic taste in the mouth, which could all progress to pulmonary edema and interstitial pneumonitis. Young children are more prone to developing pulmonary mercury toxicity.

Chronic Exposure - Repeated exposure to mercury affects the spinal cord, brain, kidney and eyes. Chronic exposure to low levels of mercury causes harmful effects to the central nervous systems. Symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning may vary, but could include mood changes, discoloration of the eye's cornea or lens, vision problems, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, tremors, headache, psychological changes, short-term memory loss and kidney disease.

Extreme Exposure - Extremely high levels of mercury vapor in the air can poison quickly. Symptoms begin with chest pain, upset stomach, cough and trouble breathing. Chemical pneumonia can then develop, which can result in death.

Direct contact - Direct contact with the skin and eyes could cause irritation. Swallowing mercury vapors or compounds could cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Children are more at risk from mercury poisoning. They can get a rare syndrome called "pink disease" with symptoms of chills, swelling, body rashes, light sensitivity, heavy sweating, trouble sleeping and swelling or irritation of the feet, hands, nose and cheeks.

How do I Test Myself for Mercury Exposure?

The Mercury Testing Kit

Levels of mercury in the body can be measures through blood, urine and hair tests. Blood tests measure levels of mercury in recent exposure, while urine tests determine ongoing mercury exposure, except for mercury from fish. Often a combination of blood and urine tests is used when evaluating all types of mercury exposure. Hair tests are rarely used, but can help in determining an unborn child's mercury exposure before birth.

The Mercury Heavy Metals Test Kit is available to determine the levels in your body. Should the test determine that your levels are high, you may want to use Dr. Group's Chemical & Heavy Metals Cleanse to reduce your levels. Cleansing can take a long time, sometimes as long as months. It's recommended that you test your body levels periodically throughout the cleansing process to determine your progress.

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