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HEALTH EFFECTS OF MERCURY

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MERCURY. L.B. Sandy Rock, MD, MPH. Toxic Metal. Occurs in nature Elemental mercury (quicksilver)- vapors Inorganic and Organic forms Circulate in the environment Used in many human activities All forms toxic: organic>inorganic Inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption.

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HEALTH EFFECTS OF MERCURY

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  1. HEALTH EFFECTS OF MERCURY L.B. Sandy Rock, MD, MPH

  2. Toxic Metal • Occurs in nature • Elemental mercury (quicksilver)-vapors • Inorganic and Organic forms • Circulate in the environment • Used in many human activities • All forms toxic: organic>inorganic • Inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption

  3. Mechanisms of Exposure • Vapor from elemental (kids; occupational) • Dermal from inorganic salts, phenylHg • Methylmercury from fish ingestion (major human exposure)

  4. Health Effects • Primarily a NEUROTOXIN (CNS and peripheral) • Also: gingiva, eyes, lungs, skin (vapor) • Also: kidneys, g-i tract (Hg+) • Developmental (fetus): multiple effects including mental retardation, blindness, microcephaly, cerebral palsy, swallowing disturbances.

  5. Treatment • Half-life (biologic) 40-70 days • Prevention BEST • Chelating agents • Oral resin (for ingestions) • Hemodialysis (L-cysteine) • CNS damage from MeHg permanent, irreversible

  6. What can be done? • Increase public awareness • Power conservation • Reduce consumption, recycle, and properly dispose of mercury-containing products • Where feasible, find substitutes for mercury

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