Although mercury is a naturally occurring element that can
be found in many forms in nature, it proves to be immensely detrimental to
human health, even in small amounts.
According to the World Health Organization, mercury is one of the top
ten chemicals of major public health concern due to its toxic effects on
numerous body systems. Since mercury comes in many forms, there are multiple
ways that we can be exposed. We are most commonly exposed to the compound
methylmercury- what we ingest when eating seafood.
As a result of mercury exposure, fetuses are susceptible to
developmental issues, which is why pregnant women are advised against eating fish
and other forms of seafood. If a
pregnant woman were to ingest mercury, it could cause negative effects on their
child’s neurological development. In addition, people who are regularly exposed
to mercury (those who rely on fishing or people who are exposed for work
reasons) are very likely to develop health problems as a result.
Mercury exposure can cause detriment to the nervous, immune,
and digestive system, as well as kidneys and lungs. All of these health
complications can prove to be fatal in the long term. Since mercury
bioaccumulates like all other elements and compounds, it stays in our bodies
and builds up the more we ingest or are exposed to mercury. Some symptoms of mercury exposure include, but
are not limited to: insomnia, loss of memory, headaches, and cognitive and
motor dysfunction.