Possible effects of mercury poisoning include deformity and a decreased survival rate of the fetus, and reduced growth and size of the newborn at birth. Mercury helps promote the accumulation of free radicals in the body, which puts the cells at risk for damage. This may lead to an increased risk of heart problems, including heart attack and coronary heart disease. The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from eating seafood, but people can get mercury poisoning from industrial processing, thermometers and blood pressure machines, dental work, and old paints.
Eating seafood that has been tainted with mercury is one of the most common ways humans accumulate mercury in their bodies. The mercury in seafood is a highly poisonous form of the metal called methylmercury, which forms when mercury dissolves into the water. Methylmercury can be absorbed from the water by all sea creatures, but it also continues through the food chain.
Small sea creatures, such as shrimp, often ingest methylmercury and are then eaten by other fish. These fish will now have more methylmercury in them than the original shrimp.
This process continues all the way up the food chain, so that a large fish may contain much more mercury than the fish it has eaten. This does not necessarily make it better to eat smaller fish, however. It is always essential for a person to check the source of their seafood to avoid contaminated fish and shellfish.
People worried about their exposure to mercury may want to limit their seafood intake, particularly of fish that are high on the food chain, such as swordfish, shark, white tuna, pike, walleye, and bass. Pregnant or breast-feeding women may want to avoid or restrict their intake of fish and shellfish, as any mercury they contain can pass to the fetus or infant through the umbilical cord or breast milk.
Amalgam fillings, commonly called silver fillings, contain approximately 40 to 50 percent mercury. Amalgam fillings are not often used now, as there are newer and safer alternatives.
Some people choose to replace their amalgam fillings to reduce their long-term exposure to mercury. Mercury poisoning may also be due to direct or environmental exposure. Mercury exposure may come from one or more of the following sources:. Doctors can usually diagnose mercury poisoning through a physical exam and blood tests. Doctors may ask about any symptoms the person is having, as well as for a general breakdown of their diet.
They may also ask questions about the environment the person lives or works in, including whether they live near any factories or work in an industrial plant. If the doctor suspects mercury poisoning, a blood and or urine mercury test can gauge the levels of mercury in the body.
Treatment of mercury poisoning involves eliminating any and all exposure to the metal. Doctors will recommend that the person does not consume any seafood that contains mercury. Mercury poisoning may cause some long-term side effects, which will be treated or managed individually. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts. Note on Mercury and Cancer: No human data currently ties mercury exposure to cancer, but the data available are limited.
In very high doses, some forms of mercury have caused increases in several types of tumors in rats and mice. When EPA published its Cancer Guidelines in , the Agency concluded that environmental exposures to inorganic mercury and methylmercury are not likely to cause cancer in humans. Technical information about mercury and cancer is available in:. Exposure to methylmercury most commonly occurs when people eat kinds of fish and shellfish that have high levels of methylmercury in their tissues.
Almost all people have at least small amounts of methylmercury in their bodies, reflecting the widespread presence of methylmercury in the environment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC data show that most people have blood mercury levels below levels associated with possible health effects. Methylmercury, however, is a powerful neurotoxin, and people exposed to high levels may experience adverse health effects.
In small amounts, the following types of fish are okay to eat once or twice per week:. This will reduce the risk of fetal mercury exposure. Other causes of mercury poisoning can be environmental or from exposure to other forms of the metal. These include:. Mercury poisoning is diagnosed with a physical exam and a blood and urine test.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they started. They will also ask you about your dietary choices and other lifestyle habits. The best way to treat mercury poisoning is to stop your exposure to the metal. If you eat a lot of mercury-containing seafood, stop immediately. If toxicity is linked to your environment or workplace, you might need to take steps to remove yourself from the area to prevent further effects of poisoning.
If your mercury levels reach a certain point, your doctor will have you do chelation therapy. Chelating agents are drugs that remove the metal from your organs and help your body dispose of them. Long term, you may need continuing treatment to manage the effects of mercury poisoning, such as neurological effects.
When detected early, mercury poisoning can be halted. Neurological effects from mercury toxicity are often permanent. If you suspect sudden mercury poisoning, call the Poison Control Center at The best way to prevent dietary mercury poisoning is to take care with the amounts and types of seafood that you eat. You can also:. Fish is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, but some types of fish contain high levels of mercury.
Does it mean you need to avoid all fish? Tuna is a popular and nutritious saltwater fish, but you may worry about its mercury content. This article reviews mercury in tuna and tells you…. Many popular foods are made with raw fish, including sushi. Raw fish is highly nutritious but there are some risks, especially for pregnant women.
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