Mercury is a natural element found on the earth and pure form of mercury is liquid. Mercury is largely found in organic and inorganic compounds. It is found in many fishes and many other consumer products that we use daily. Mercury can produce toxic effects on the body depending on the intensity and amount it was consumed. Mercury traces are available in the ear when coal is burned. It will gradually settle down in the nearby water bodies which can be consumed by people.
Mercury has a good medicinal value for treating certain diseases but it can become toxic for humans. It is more toxic in people with lung problems or kidney diseases than in healthy persons. High doses of mercury can harm brain, heart and kidneys and it affects people of all ages uniformly. Mercury if inhaled by fetus can cause complicated nervous problem affecting the normal learning ability and thinking capacity of the child.
Mercury Poisoning Symptoms :
Shellfish contains an organic form of mercury by name methylmercury and people are easily exposed to mercury traces by eating this fish. However eating shellfish does not harm every person in the same way. There are many factors that determine the harmful effects of mercury.
Which form of mercury cause more damage, what is the level of dosage, what is the age and health condition of the person who is exposed to mercury, what is the duration/intensity of exposure, and which part of the body it was exposed are some of the major factors that decides the harmful effects of mercury in our body. Mercury can be ingested orally, it can penetrate through skin and sometimes it can be inhaled through nose.
For Fetus :
Exposure of mercury by the fetus can impair the nervous system of the child moderately or severely depending on the intensity it was exposed. It can affect the brain’s development and reduce the memory and cognitive ability of the child. It can also affect the fine motor skills and visual skills in later stage of life. Most of the children are born with nervous system problems if their mothers are exposed to methylmercury by eating shellfish.
For Adults :