WELLNESS 148
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How Your Body is Affected by Mercury
Sources Of Mercury Toxicity
- dental amalgam (silver fillings)
- tuna fish and swordfish
- contaminated drinking water
- seeds and vegetables treated with mercurial fungicides
- medications - diuretics, Mercurochrome, Merthiolate, Preparation H, contact lens solution
- occupational exposure - felt, algicides, floor waxes, adhesives, fabric softeners, manufacture of paper, production of chlorine
- children can be born with mercury toxicity that is passed through the placenta from their mothers. Mercury can also be passed to children in breast milk.
Detection Of Mercury Toxicity
Both blood and hair have been used to detect mercury
poisoning. In one study, hair levels generally correlated with blood levels.
Hair levels are about 300 times higher than blood levels.
Copper toxicity and zinc deficiency are often associated with mercury toxicity.
How Mercury Affects Health
| Energy - | mercury compounds inhibit the enzyme ATPase, which impairs energy production in all body cells. | |
| Nervous System - | degeneration of nerve fibers occurs,
particularly the peripheral sensory nerve fibers. In addition to
sensory nerve damage, motor conduction speed was reduced in
persons with high hair mercury levels. The most common sensory effects are paresthesia, pain in limbs, and visual and auditory disturbances. Motor disturbances results in changes in gait, weakness, falling, slurred speech, and tremor. Other symptoms are headaches, rashes and emotional disturbances. |
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| Endocrine System - | mercury has been shown to concentrate in the thyroid and pituitary glands, interfering with their function. Impairment of adrenal gland activity also occurs. | |
Symptoms Associated With A Mercury Toxicity
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adrenal gland dysfunction alopecia (hair loss) anorexia ataxia (uncontrolled movement of limbs) birth defects blushing brain damage depression dermatitis discouragement dizziness fatigue hearing loss hyperactivity immune system dysfunction insomnia |
kidney damage loss of self-control memory loss migraine headaches mood swings nervousness numbness and tingling in arms and legs pain in limbs rashes, skin salivation, excessive schizophrenia thyroid dysfunction timidity tremors vision loss - peripheral vision weakness, muscle |